An assessment of anxiety towards COVID-19 among Nigerian general population using the Fear of COVID-19 scale

Abstract

Aim of the studyThe study sought to assess the fear of COVID-19 among the general population and suggested ways to reduce anxiety levels.Subject or material and methodsA web-based cross-sectional survey was designed using Google forms to collect data. Participants were recruited using a convenience snowballing technique. The questionnaire contained 3 sections on Socio-demographic data, the Fear of COVID-9 scale, and an open-ended question on suggested ways to mitigate anxiety towards COVID-19. For the open-ended question, scores were grouped based on the similarity of thematic content. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0.ResultsA total of 1011 respondents completed the survey. The Mean Sum Fear of Corona was 18.28±5.909 out of a possible maximum score of 35. More than half (53.6%, n = 542) of the respondents had ‘Low fear’ of COVID-19. There was an increasing fear of COVID-19 with increasing educational qualification, however, this was not statistically significant. Respondents with health-related occupations had less anxiety towards COVID-19 compared to people in non-health related occupations (17.83±5.85 Vs. 18.54±5.91).DiscussionWhen respondents were asked to suggest ways anxiety towards COVID-19 could be reduced, one-third of them (34%, n =344) responded that public enlightenment programs with accurate information on the virus should be embarked on.ConclusionsOverall, there was a low fear of COVID-19 among the general Nigerian population surveyed in this study. Public enlightenment and limited consumption of news on COVID-19 were the most suggested ways to abate fear of the virus.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among the General Population in Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Urban residency ( 52 , 62 , 69 , 81 , 83 ), living alone (without family) and lower family income or socioeconomic status were also identified as risk factors for anxiety ( 35 , 44 , 48 , 49 , 69 ). Higher educational status was associated with increased anxiety among healthcare professionals ( 40 , 58 , 61 , 69 ) and the general population ( 42 , 49 , 62 , 83 , 92 ). Anxiety level was higher among other professions compared to healthcare workers ( 27 , 83 , 92 ).…”

“…Higher educational status was associated with increased anxiety among healthcare professionals ( 40 , 58 , 61 , 69 ) and the general population ( 42 , 49 , 62 , 83 , 92 ). Anxiety level was higher among other professions compared to healthcare workers ( 27 , 83 , 92 ). Among the various healthcare professions, medical laboratory work was significantly associated with higher anxiety compared to others (AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.78–4.79) ( 47 ).…”

“…Anxiety prevalence was significantly associated with depression or depressive symptoms ( 35 , 40 , 50 ). Other anxiety-related symptoms reported were insomnia ( 14 , 27 , 40 , 54 , 60 , 65 , 67 , 70 , 72 , 77 , 81 ), fear of covid ( 29 , 53 , 92 ), psychological distress ( 30 ), worry ( 38 ), and fear of getting sick ( 93 ) ( Table 1 ).…”

“…Policies on the adoption of vaccine passports, while meant to incentivize vaccination among the general public, are replete with ethical and legal concerns ( 114 ). Within Africa, the public perception of these impending circumstances may potentially exacerbate symptoms of COVID-19 related anxiety and depression ( 29 , 53 , 92 ), in addition to the possibility of novel viral strains that are likely to emerge in subsequent waves ( 5 ). The anticipatory distress of potentially contracting the virus ( 30 , 38 , 93 ) among the overall population (encompassing frontline health care workers) ( 87 ) is contributing to what we see as an emerging mental health crisis throughout the African continent ( 36 ).…”

Editorial

“…The topic has been mentioned in previous articles regarding the influence of covid-19 on anxiety depression [1,2] but also anxiety in somatic serious diseases [3].…”