Fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 Stress and Association with Sociodemographic and Psychological Process Factors in Cases under Surveillance in a Frontline Worker Population in Borneo

Abstract

COVID-19 stress and fear of COVID-19 is an increasingly researched construct in the general population. However, its prevalence and association with sociodemographic factors and psychological process variables has not been explored in frontline workers under surveillance in a Bornean population. This study was a cross-sectional study using a sociodemographic questionnaire incorporating two specific epidemiological risk variables, namely specific questions about COVID-19 surveillance status (persons under investigation (PUI), persons under surveillance (PUS), and positive cases) and the nature of frontline worker status. Furthermore, five other instruments were used, with three measuring psychopathology (namely depression, anxiety and stress, fear of COVID-19, and stress due to COVID-19) and two psychological process variables (namely psychological flexibility and mindfulness). Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney tests were performed to assess if there were significant differences in psychopathology and psychological process variables between sociodemographic and epidemiological risk variables. Hierarchical multiple regression was further performed, with depression, anxiety, and stress as dependent variables. There were significant differences in the fear of COVID-19 between positive cases, PUI, and PUS. The fear of COVID-19 scores were higher in positive cases compared to in PUS and PUI groups. Upon hierarchical multiple regression, mindfulness and psychological flexibility were significant predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress after controlling for sociodemographic and epidemiological risk factors. This study demonstrates that exposure to COVID-19 as persons under investigation or surveillance significantly increases the fear of COVID-19, and brief psychological interventions that can positively influence mindfulness and psychological flexibility should be prioritized for these at-risk groups to prevent undue psychological morbidity in the long run.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression among Psychiatric Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Malaysian Perspective

“…An increased work burden due to the pandemic was also associated with increased psychological distress [ 10 , 17 , 18 ]. HCWs who were unvaccinated [ 19 ], working long hours (>15 hours/day) [ 20 ], and those investigated as close contacts, irrespective of the results of COVID-19 tests [ 21 ], showed higher levels of psychological distress. Occupational differences, with nurses exhibiting higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to other HCWs, were documented in two systematic reviews and meta-analysis by Pappa et al [ 10 ] and Marvaldi et al [ 22 ].…”

Relationships between Psychopathology, Psychological Process Variables, and Sociodemographic Variables and Comparison of Quarantined and Non-Quarantined Groups of Malaysian University Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Examining underlying psychological process variables, such as psychological mindedness, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility, can assist in the development of intervention initiatives. These variables have been chosen as they are reported as factors that may contribute to psychopathology in previous studies in a similar university population [9]. Psychological Mindedness (PM) is defined as an awareness of one's inner psychological processes and attitude towards these processes [10].…”

COVID-19 Related Fears Among Mzuzu University’s Nursing Students During Clinical Practice

“…Similarly, in a cross-sectional study, it was reported that 68.1% of students were worried about being infected by the COVID-19 virus. 7,8 In addition, other studies have shown that levels of fear, anxiety and depression related to COVI-19 are higher in persons who are students. 8,9 In our study, students were not sure of who was going to support them while in the clinical area as they were not certain of faculty members and clinical staff being able to supervise and teach them.…”

“…7,8 In addition, other studies have shown that levels of fear, anxiety and depression related to COVI-19 are higher in persons who are students. 8,9 In our study, students were not sure of who was going to support them while in the clinical area as they were not certain of faculty members and clinical staff being able to supervise and teach them. This was because the COVID-19 pandemic had forced the hospital management to reduce staffing levels as some were allocated to COVID-19 isolation centers, while faculty member visits were also uncertain.…”

“…The authors concluded that timely psychological care for students may enable timely prevention and intervention programs for support during the pandemic. 8 Also, in a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Mexico among nursing students and recent graduates, the results revealed the existence of a relationship of the age variable with fear, danger of contamination, traumatic stress, knowledge and minor socioeconomic consequences. Also, the presence of stress and knowledge illuminated the occurrence of fear regarding COVID-19 in half of the nursing students.…”