Comparison of COVID-19 Anxiety in Nurses and Midwife Personnel in the Teaching Hospitals Affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: The spread of the coronavirus, its high transmission rate, and lack of a definitive treatment for the novel disease have led to psychological disturbances in societies. Nurses are exposed to numerous psychological issues as they are on the frontline in the battle against COVID-19. The present study aimed to compare nurses and midwife personnel in terms of the anxiety caused by COVID-19. Material and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 nursing staff and midwife personnel working in the teaching hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The participants were selected via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a corona disease anxiety scale, which was completed in a self-report manner. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics (tables, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics. Results: The mean anxiety level of the nurses and midwife personnel was estimated at 30.33 ± 7.6 and 31.11 ± 9.03, respectively. However, the Mann-Whitney U test was indicative of no significant difference in this regard (P=0.08). Conclusion: According to the results, the nursing and midwife personnel had similar levels of COVID-19 anxiety. Given the moderate anxiety level of the healthcare staff regardless of their work environment, it is recommended that special programs be considered by hospital managers to psychologically support the staff.