Mindfulness, Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies during COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkish Dentistry Students

Authors : Sinem YILDIRIM, Emine KAYA

Pages : 732-742

Doi:10.30621/jbachs.1065806

View : 16 | Download : 9

Publication Date : 2022-09-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between perceived stress, mindfulness and coping strategies of undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 128 undergraduate dental students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. Students completed surveys including the Perceived Stress Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PSS);, the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(MAAS); and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(COPE);. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test, Analysis of Variance, Student’s t-test, Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation. Results: A negative association was found between the MAAS and PSS according to the Spearman’s correlation coefficient insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs =-0.823, p<0.001);. There were positive relationships between MAAS and COPE inventory subscales of positive reinterpretation and growth insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs = 0.385, p < 0.001);; use of instrumental social support insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs = 0.233, p = 0.008);; active coping insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs = 0.384, p < 0.001);; use of emotional social support insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs = 0.208, p = 0.018);; planning insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs = 0.244, p = 0.005);. There were negative relationships between MAAS and COPE inventory subscales of behavioral disengagement insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs =-0.245, p = 0.005);; alcohol-drug use insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rs =-0.233, p = 0.008);. Conclusions: Dental students with a high level of mindfulness had a low level of perceived stress. The findings may guide the mindfulness-based stress reduction programs or stress awareness lectures development and implementation within the academic curriculum.
Keywords : COVID 19, dental undergraduate students, mindfulness, perceived stress, coping strategies