Physical and Psychological Health Challenges Among Dental Practitioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study from Chattogram City

Authors

  • Maksuda Nasrin Junior Consultant, Department of Children Dentistry, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram
  • Fahmida Binte Mesbah Assistant Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka
  • Tamanna Zahur Associate Professor, Department of Dental Public Health, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1637-8378
  • Morium Begum Consultant, Maria Dental Care, Chattogram
  • Anjuman Ara Yeasmin Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Pharmacology, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram
  • Audity Dey Junior Consultant, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v17i1.87085

Keywords:

Dental practitioners COVID-19,, physical health psychological health, anxiety,

Abstract

Background: Dental practitioners were among the most vulnerable professionals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic due to their exposure to aerosols and close patient contact. This study assessed the physical and psychological health challenges faced by dental practitioners in Chattogram City. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 96 dental practitioners of Chattogram city, from May 2023 to April 2024. Data were collected using a structured, pretested online questionnaire covering demographic details, physical symptoms, psychological impacts, and infection-control practices in dental clinics. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square/ Fisher’s exact tests were applied as appropriate (p<0.05 considered statistically significant). Results: The majority of participants were male (57.3%), and within the 31–40 age group (46.8%). Breathing difficulties (70.8%), fatigue and body ache (59.4%), and headaches (57.3%) were the most common physical complaints. Musculoskeletal pain and dermatological problems related to prolonged PPE use were also prevalent. Psychologically, 81.2% reported anxiety regarding infection transmission to family, and 65.6% feared treating patients in proximity. Notably, 76.0% of practitioners reported COVID-19 infection (self or family). Female practitioners were more likely to report headaches and musculoskeletal pain (p<0.05), while dentists over 40 years reported significantly greater anxiety affecting treatment decision-making (p=0.035). No significant association was noticed between clinic air-control measures and infection status. Conclusion: Dental practitioners in Chattogram experienced substantial physical discomfort and psychological stress throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant gender- and age-related differences. These conclusions highlight the necessity for specific occupational health support and preparedness strategies for future pandemics.

BJME: Vol.-17, Issue-01, January, 2026: 69-79

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Published

2026-01-12

How to Cite

Nasrin, M., Mesbah, F. B., Zahur, T., Begum, M., Yeasmin, A. A., & Dey, A. (2026). Physical and Psychological Health Challenges Among Dental Practitioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study from Chattogram City. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education, 17(1), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v17i1.87085

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Original Articles

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