Purpose: To assess the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors among individuals with dental conditions requiring treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan, and to highlight COVID-19 impacts on these individuals’ mental health and dental care.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted. The study questionnaire was composed of items related to stress during COVID-19. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the study’s main outcome measures, and multiple variable regression analysis was conducted to identify the quality of life predictors.
Results: Participants’ HRQoL mean scores as measured by SF-12 were 69.5 (± 19.3) for the physical component and 58.9 (± 21.1) for the mental component. Mean scores for depression, anxiety, and stress measured by DASS21 were 10.1, 7.8, and 11.7, respectively. The regression model showed depression (β = -0.76 [95%CI -0.92 to -0.59], p < 0.001), stress (β = -1.74 [95%CI -2.53 to -0.94], p < 0.001), and oral HRQoL (β = -1.25 [95%CI -1.95 to -0.55], p = 0.001) as statistically significant negative predictors for HRQoL. Finally, family income was identified as positive significant predictor for HRQoL (β = 2.51 [95%CI 0.06 to 4.95], p = 0.045).
Conclusion: This study found that patients with dental issues had a low quality of life and a high level of mental health symptoms during COVID-19 in Jordan. Healthcare policymakers should consider the continuation of dental services when planning for similar emergencies in the future, particularly if accompanied by lockdowns.
Keywords: corona virus, dental health care, pandemic, quarantine
