Anxiety level among nursing staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background and aims: Emerging infectious diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are among the most serious occupational hazards for healthcare providers. The aim of the present study was to assess anxiety level among nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2020. Participants were 510 nursing staff selected through a census from Valiasr teaching hospital, Fasa, Iran. Data were collected via a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made COVID-19 anxiety questionnaire and were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 22.0) through the chi square and ANOVA test. Results: The total mean score of anxiety among participants was 93.10±7.06 and had significant relationship with participants’ age, work experience, affiliated ward, and educational level (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Nursing staff suffer from high levels of anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare authorities and managers need to employ strategies to psychologically support and empower nursing staff, improve their stress management skills, ensure their occupational safety, and improve their knowledge about COVID-19.