Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional state of dental hygiene students in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan, China. By February 2020, the virus had spread to Europe and was subsequently transmitted worldwide. Italy was the fifth-most affected country worldwide and the fourth-most affected country in Europe. Beginning on February 23rd, 2020, the Italian government suspended all teaching activities in schools and universities. METHODS: In 2020, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to dental hygiene students in the Emilia Romagna Region, one of the most severely affected regions in Italy. The survey evaluated the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on educational activities and training among students, as well as its emotional consequences. In 2022, the questionnaire was administered to students in the same University courses. Considering the 3-year duration of the course, some respondents to the first survey were working during the second survey, whereas others were scheduled to graduate soon. This survey evaluated the emotional impact of the pandemic on recent graduates and future dental hygienists; it also explored the potential influences of emotions, such as anxiety and anger, in the workplace. RESULTS: In total, 39, 48, and 41 respondents experienced quite intense/intense, moderate, or mild anger, respectively. The proportion of respondents experiencing anger increased from 46% in 2020 to 67.7% in 2022 (128 of 189). Anger and anxiety persisted at 2 years, as evidenced by responses to the second survey conducted in 2022, although the proportions differed compared with 2020. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in anger and anxiety among students over time should be monitored. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether anger among students can be replaced by positive emotions after entry into the workforce, suggesting compensation for their efforts. If negative emotions persist, new workers may exhibit emotional responses and aggressive social behaviors.