Introduction During a pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed to many stresses that predispose them to psychological disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the anxiety and depression level of HCWs and determine the relationship between them in terms of their demographic characteristics. Material and Methods This study used a cross-sectional design. The participants consisted of clinical, administrative, and cleaning staff who were working in a referral COVID-19 hospital in an urban area of Iran. The census sampling method was used for recruiting the participants from May to August 2020. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale were employed to collect data. Then, data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression analysis. Results One hundred forty HCWs participated in this study. The mean scores of anxiety and depression were 6.64 (4.86) and 18.21 (10.59), respectively. There was a significant direct association between anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). In addition, female gender (P = 0.01) and having a history of infection with COVID-19 (P = 0.001) were associated with a higher level of anxiety. Moreover, having a history of being quarantined due to COVID-19 was associated with a higher level of depression (P = 0.03). Conclusion According to the findings of the present study, considering the mental health of HCWs during the generalized anxiety outbreak of COVID-19 should be a priority, and appropriate interventions should be planned to improve their psychological condition.

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Background. Elderly abuse is a major problem in developing countries and causes complications such as reduced quality of life, increased incidence of mental diseases and even death. Objectives. To evaluate the validity of a Persian version of the Vulnerability Abuse Screening Scale (VASS) in the elderly. Material and methods. This methodological study was performed on 200 older adults (aged ≥ 60) in Iran. Measurements included the Elderly Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS). Results. The mean and standard deviation of the studied population was 68 ± 5.8 years. After applying the necessary changes in the items at the face and content validity stage, the initial reliability was confirmed in a sample of 50 elderly with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.74. The initial tool model (12-question version) was not validated in the factor analysis process, so the second tool model (9-question version) was prepared and found to have construct validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficient in the 9-question version was 0.70, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.99. Conclusions. According to the study results, it seems that the Persian 9-question version can be used as a valid and reliable tool in the study and assessment of vulnerability to abuse in the Iranian elderly population.