Predictors of Anxiety Regarding The COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health-care Workers in a Hospital Not Assigned to Manage COVID-19 Patients in Nepal

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction: We studied the levels and severity of anxiety caused by COVID-19 amongst frontline health-care workers (HCWs) in a tertiary care neurological hospital in Nepal, not assigned to manage COVID-19 cases. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 frontline Health Care Workers (HCWs) using a 10-point subjective assessment tool, the Anxiety Level Index (ALI), and the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Score (SAS), to assess the level of anxiety regarding COVID-19. Results: On ALI 55% of HCWs were found to have marked severe anxiety (6-9), however, on SAS 44% of HCWs reported anxiety. The majority HCWs were female (n=78) with nurses forming 62% of the sample size. The mean age was 26.8 years (SD 8.17). Factors associated with significantly higher levels of anxiety regarding COVID-19 on ALI were age (p=0.002), sex (p=0.001), receiving regular COVID-19 updates via social media (p=0.011) and a high frequency of checking for COVID-19 information authenticity (p=0.039). Work experience (p=0.026) and frequency of checking for information authenticity (p=0.029) were factors found to increase SAS measured anxiety and were found to be associated with significantly higher levels of anxiety. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that respondents with work experience of less than or equal to 2 years were 0.380 (95% CI 0.158 to 0.910) times less likely to have anxiety than those with work experience of more than 2 years. Similarly, the odds of having anxiety among those who checked information authenticity less frequently was 0.377 (95% CI 0.153 to 0.931) times less than those who often did. Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a substantial impact on the mental health of frontline HCWs in a hospital not assigned to manage COVID-19 patients. Length of time of worked in healthcare and the frequency of checking for COVID-19-related information were significant predictors of anxiety.</jats:p>

Mental health status of health-care professionals working in quarantine and non-quarantine Egyptian hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Our study revealed that adverse psychological symptoms (stress, depression and anxiety) had been recorded in almost one third to one half of respondents, while insomnia had been recorded in more than half. Similar results were found in other studies addressing psychological outcomes in health-care professionals (15,16). The majority of health-care professionals considered the COVID-19 pandemic to be under control in Egypt.…”

“…Female gender could also significantly predict experiences of stress and anxiety when compared to males in the groups. Similarly, previous studies among health-care professionals have indicated that females are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression in such situations (16,19). Our study showed that younger health-care professionals were more likely to report stress, depression and anxiety compared to older health-care professionals.…”

The Global Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia among Healthcare Workers during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…(2020) [65] Serbia (2020) [71] Nepal 100 NR 26.8 ± 8.17 Vafaei, H. (2020) [72] Iran Zhu, J. (2020) [82] China 165 (100) The results of the subgroup analysis are presented in Table 2.…”

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Mental Health Outcomes among Healthcare Workers Exposed to COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal

“…26 Length of working time and the frequency of checking for COVID-19 related information were significant predictors of anxiety. 27 Special training on the use and management of personal protective equipment and handling COVID-19 patient could reduce anxiety. 28 That could help and support them to work effectively decreases the psychological stress and anxiety which improve the mental health of Health Care Worker.…”