Evaluation of anxiety in health care professionals with or without COVID-19

Authors : Veysel Dinç, Oğuz Özakin, Zeynel Karakullukçuoğlu, Betül Başar, Isa Badur

Pages : 54-61

Doi:10.21673/anadoluklin.1326367

View : 70 | Download : 53

Publication Date : 2024-01-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, impacting the mental health of healthcare workers. This study aimed to assess and compare anxiety levels among different categories of healthcare workers during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted with 180 healthcare workers categorized into four groups: COVID-19 negative healthcare workers (n=45), COVID-19 positive hospitalized and treated healthcare workers (n=45), COVID-19 positive healthcare workers treated at home (n=45), and COVID-19 negative healthcare workers who were off duty due to chronic illnesses (n=45). The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) was used to measure anxiety levels. Results: COVID-19 negative healthcare workers reported relatively lower anxiety levels (mean CAS score = 1.29, SD = 1.829), with the majority experiencing minimal anxiety. COVID-19 positive hospitalized and treated healthcare workers had expressively higher anxiety levels (mean CAS score = 4.09, SD = 5.049), indicating substantial distress. COVID-19 positive healthcare workers treated at home demonstrated intermediate anxiety levels (mean CAS score = 3.09, SD = 3.014). COVID-19 negative healthcare workers with chronic illnesses showed higher anxiety levels compared to their non-chronically ill counterparts (mean CAS score = 2.02, SD = 2.19). Conclusion: This study highlights the diverse psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers. COVID-19 positive hospitalized and treated healthcare workers experienced the highest levels of anxiety, followed by those treated at home. Even COVID-19 negative healthcare workers and those with chronic illnesses experienced notable anxiety. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the mental health needs of healthcare workers effectively during and beyond the pandemic. Understanding and mitigating anxiety among healthcare workers are crucial for their well-being and the quality of patient care. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors influencing anxiety levels in this population.
Keywords : Anksiyete ölçeği, COVID 19, pandemik