COVID-19-Related Anxiety and Its Association with Dietary Diversity Score Among Health Care Professionals in Ethiopia: A Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Background The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a stressful and overwhelming situation for health care professionals (HCP), especially, who are caring for patients in the resource-limited health care settings of low-income countries. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Ethiopia, HCPs are at risk for COVID-19-related anxiety and associated inadequate nutrition. However, the magnitude of COVID-19-related anxiety and its association with dietary diversity among HCPs is not well studied. Objective To assess the magnitude of COVID-19-related anxiety and its association with dietary diversity score among health care professionals in Ethiopia. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCPs working in university hospitals, primary hospitals, and health centers in south and southwest Ethiopia. A structured online survey questionnaire was designed on Google forms and carried out from May 15 to June 14, 2020. COVID-19-related anxiety was assessed using the coronavirus anxiety scale. Dietary diversity was measured using 9 items individual dietary diversity score. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24. Multiple logistic regression was computed to identify independent factors associated with COVID-19-related anxiety. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results The prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety among health care professionals was found to be 20.2%. COVID-19-related anxiety is significantly associated with a low dietary diversity score [AOR=5.93 (1.67, 21.07)]. The other factors which are independently associated with COVID-19-related anxiety are the presence of depression [AOR=6.98 (2.91–16.73)] and diploma educational status [AOR=0.16 (0.04–0.55)]. Conclusion One-fifth of the study participants were found to have probable COVID-19-related anxiety. Designing a screening and intervention strategy for COVID-19-related anxiety among HCPs, particularly to those with low dietary diversity scores and depression, is recommended.

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

“…DASS-21 ( n = 17) and PHQ ( n = 17) were the most commonly used measures of depression, with proportions ranging from 21.1 to 82.3% and 8.2 to 82%, respectively. Depression scores were significantly correlated with overall anxiety ( 14 , 35 , 40 , 50 ) and sleeplessness ( 14 , 54 ). Overall depression was significantly associated with symptoms of mania (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.71–11.02) ( 84 ) and Fear of Covid scores ( r = 0.5, p < 0.001) ( 77 ).…”

“…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 ).…”

“…DASS-21 ( n = 16) and GAD-7 ( n = 21) were the most used measures of anxiety, with reported proportions ranging from 18.1 to 81.9% and 24.1 to 76.4%, respectively. 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 ).…”

“…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 ).…”

Diversidad alimentaria en habitantes de tres provincias de Perú durante la COVID-19 y factores asociados

“…El consumo de misceláneas es del 77,7%; valor a tener en consideración, debido a que el consumo de estos productos se asocia con estrés y ansiedad, muy comunes en tiempos de confinamiento 19,20 . Además, el consumo de estos productos (en su mayoría altamente procesados) se asocia con comorbilidades como la obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión 21 .…”