Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in self-efficacy in endodontics among dental students during their studies and to make a comparison between the generations affected and not affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.Materials and Methods: The Endodontic General Self-Efficacy Scale was used.Data for this longitudinal study were obtained from two generations of students who have completed the same three self-efficacy questionnaires at the end of each academic year over a three-year period.Results: Repeated measurements of each participant revealed a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy level among the three repeated measures over a three-year period (F(1, 580) = 80.226; p < 0.05).The effect size between groups showed a statistically significant difference in self-efficacy in performing endodontic treatments across all three repeated measures (F(1) = 13.958p < 0.05).The post hoc analysis confirmed the between-group difference (2.838; p < 0.05) in the arithmetic mean between the lockdown-affected and non-lockdown-affected groups.Active participation and length of time in a dental office (between several days and one year of experience) were associated with an increase in self-efficacy.Conclusions: Self-efficacy increased as students progressed in their studies.The self-efficacy of students who were not affected by the lockdown tended to increase; however, in the final year of study, the level of self-efficacy was similar for students affected and not affected by the lockdown.The social persuasion component could explain the alignment in self-efficacy levels.It means that individuals who receive verbal encouragement affirming their abilities to succeed in specific tasks are more likely to exert increased efforts and maintain persistence.
Source: Acta Stomatologica Croatica
DOI: 10.15644/asc58/4/5
Authors: Jelena Vidas Hrstić, Ema Paljević, Ivana Brekalo Pršo, Ivana Vidović Zdrilić, Luka Šimunović, Elvis Božac, Romana Peršić Bukmir
Institution: University of Rijeka
Language: English
Topic: Dental Research and COVID-19
Subfield: General Dentistry
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405913037