The Socio-economic and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Malaysian Private Dentists: An Exploratory Study
- Author:
Kai Chyuen Neoh
1
;
Azman Abdul Salim
1
;
Rahimah Abdul Kadir
1
,
2
;
Haryati Ahmad Hairi
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysian private dentists, socio-economic and psychological impact
- From: Annals of Dentistry 2022;29(2022):44-51
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
- Abstract: The global COVID-19 Pandemic combined with nationwide economic depression and public fear had caused dental clinics in Malaysia to experience a significant reduction in patient visits with a potential impact on the socio-economic and psychological status of Malaysian private dentists. This study assesses the socio-economic and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysian private dentists. A cross-sectional online questionnaire included demographic profile, socioeconomic factors and psychological status was used. Participation was voluntary. Descriptive statistics on the three variables were generated. Pearson Chi-square test was used to check for significant difference (p<0.05). In all, 95 private dentists voluntarily participated. Male and female participants were equally represented, mostly in the 22-25 group (62%). The Job Insecurity Scale measurement showed 58% and 48.5% participants respectively, were socio-economically and psychologically affected. The Financial Threat Scale showed 44.4% of respondents were financially affected, while 51% (measured by the General health questionnaire) displayed affected health. The socio-economicpsychological aspect was found to be statistically significant (p =0.018). Within the limitation of sample size, participating private dentists were found to be socio-economically and psychologically affected by the COVID19 pandemic.
- Full text:9.2022my0152.pdf
