Fear of COVID-19 among dental students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)

Abstract

Objective: To examine fear levels of COVID-19 among dental students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Participants-162 first through fourth year dental students who were enrolled at the HBCU dental school between January 27, 2021 and May 3, 2021.

Methods: Students completed an online survey that included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and information on demographic variables.

Results: Associations were observed between the fear of COVID-19 and the dental student's gender, ethnicity, marital status and self-rated health. Those in the highest quartile for the fear scale were less likely to be African American and more likely to be Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic or of Middle Eastern descent as compared to those in the lowest quartile.

Conclusion: Dental students at an HBCU are a population particularly vulnerable to fear of COVID-19 possibly due to the high demands and mental stress of dental school.

Keywords: African American dental students; HBCU; anxiety levels; dentistry; fear of COVID-19; mental health.