Anxiety due to COVID-19 among healthcare providers during pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional survey in Iran

Aim: The main purpose of this study was to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among healthcare providers in Iran.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional survey was performed on healthcare providers selected through the convenience sampling method from April 6 to May 19, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, a self-report web-based questionnaire made up of a sociodemographic characteristics information form, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) was distributed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test (χ² ), and univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were accordingly practiced to analyze the data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results: Of 1343 healthcare providers, 45.8% and 73.0% had moderate physical and psychological anxiety symptoms, respectively. The logistic regression model similarly demonstrated that anxiety caused by COVID-19 was significantly correlated with the age ranges of 41-50 (P = .007) and 51-60 (P = .014) years as well as male participants (P < .001). In addition, the prevalence rates of depression and stress were, respectively, reported by 35.1% and 27.8%. There was correspondingly a significant relationship between depression and age as well as stress and gender.

Conclusions: It seems that healthcare managers need to focus more attention on psychological aspects in healthcare providers during this pandemic and plan to teach them about coping strategies.