Effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic on Health Anxiety Levels of Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

We aimed to determine the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on health workers' health concerns and life. Methods: The study included 293 healthcare professionals reached via e-mail. A questionnaire created by researchers and health anxiety inventory were applied online to all participants. The questionnaire questions investigated the sociodemographic characteristics of the participant, whether he received psychological support during the COVID-19 outbreak, whether he had a chronic disease, whether he had problems with the care of his children, whether he was actively involved in the COVID clinic / service, and how his social and work life was affected. Results: Participants consisted of 73 doctors, 145 nurses and 75 other healthcare professionals (OHP). It was determined that the COVID-19 test was performed to the healthcare personnel in the risk group at a very low rate (1.4%). The number of people receiving psychiatric support during the COVID-19 outbreak was 59 (20.1%). It was determined that the COVID-19 outbreak affected business life of the healthcare and social life of healthcare professionals very much and significantly (p<0.05). During the COVID-19 outbreak, it was determined that the desire to work in 142 (48.5%) workers decreased. Due to news about COVID-19 outbreak on social media, 226 (77.1%) people were found to have increased health anxiety. The total score of the health anxiety inventory was found to be statistically significantly higher in the nurse and other healthcare professionals (OHP) group compared to the doctor group (p=0.013 and p=0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Our study is the first study in our country to evaluate the health concerns of COVID-19 outbreak and their effects on life. In addition to the physical health of healthcare professionals, necessary protective and supportive spiritual-social measures should be taken in order to protect their mental health in terms of providing a functional service.

Relation of anxiety and hopelessness levels of healthcare employees with personality traits during Covid-19 period

“…[7][8][9]18] Comparative studies, like our study, were limited. [6,20] In a study that was conducted with 59 doctors and nurses, some healthcare workers were found to show severe depressive symptoms. [21] In a broader study conducted with healthcare workers working in twenty different hospitals, the employees had depressed symptoms with a rate of 50.4%, anxiety symptoms with 44.6%, insomnia at 34%, and stress with a 71.5%.…”

“…After the stress and distress experienced, it is argued that the mental health of healthcare workers is at risk. [6] Many studies were conducted in the literature to evaluate the mental health of healthcare employees during the COVID-19 period. [6][7][8][9][10] In a study evaluating 134 healthcare workers, it was found that 12.7% of the participants showed depressive symptoms, and 20.1% showed anxiety symptoms.…”

“…[6] Many studies were conducted in the literature to evaluate the mental health of healthcare employees during the COVID-19 period. [6][7][8][9][10] In a study evaluating 134 healthcare workers, it was found that 12.7% of the participants showed depressive symptoms, and 20.1% showed anxiety symptoms. [7] In another study conducted with hospital anxiety depression scale, it was calculated that 11.7% of the participants exceeded the cut-off score of depression subscale, and 24.7% of the anxiety subscale.…”

“…[7] In another study conducted with hospital anxiety depression scale, it was calculated that 11.7% of the participants exceeded the cut-off score of depression subscale, and 24.7% of the anxiety subscale. [8] In studies included in the literature, it was reported that there might be anxiety and depressive symptoms in healthcare workers, [6][7][8] and in addition, different psychiatric effects like irritability, stress, loneliness, hopelessness, insomnia, fatigue and hopelessness a with different psychiatric effects. [9] The increased workload, lack of protective equipment, high risk of transmission and working under severe pressure with the epidemic period were shown to have a negative effect on the physical and mental health of healthcare workers.…”

The effect of social isolation on psychological stress and gambling in the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The usual psychological reactions to pandemics can be at a healthy level or can reach the extent of disease. Anxiety, depression, fear, psychological stress, sleep problems are observed during the COVID-19 pandemic [3,4]. According to the study by Wang et al on the general population, it was found that the rate of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was 16.5%, the rate of moderate anxiety symptoms was 28.8%, and the rate of moderate stress was 8.1%.…”