Examining the Stress, Coping and Trust Levels of Turkish Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic Process

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate Turkish healthcare professionals’ demographic characteristics and the effects of COVID-19 pandemic and stress, coping and trust levels, and to examine the correlation between them. The study has a descriptive and correlational design. The sample of the study included 529 healthcare professionals who volunteered to participate in the study between 01.06.2020 and 31.07.2020 in Turkey. Data were obtained using self-applied online questionnaires. The Perceived Stress Scale and the Trust in Relationships Scale were used to collect the data. The study found a significant correlation between the demographic characteristics of the healthcare professionals such as age, marital status and having children, and their perceived stress and coping level ( p < 0.05). The study found significant correlations between the variables of having someone around them diagnosed with COVID-19, contacting with a COVID-19-suspected/positive patient, having a chronic disease, needing psychological support, questioning interpersonal relationships, quality of life and looking to the future with hope/enthusiasm, and healthcare professionals’ perceived stress and coping levels ( p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the variables of having a chronic health issue, abiding by the rule of stay at home/social isolation, quality of life and looking to the future with hope/enthusiasm and the Trust in Relationships Scale ( p < 0.05). Determining the perceived stress, coping and trust levels of Turkish healthcare professionals should be regarded as an opportunity to provide necessary support not only in this pandemic period but after all this end.