Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on health perception, depression, anxiety and stress levels in Turkish society

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health perception, depression, anxiety and stress levels in Turkish society during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine the factors affecting. Material and Methods: In this study, which was planned as a cross-sectional analytical study, individuals were reached through social media using the snow-ball sampling method. Health Perception Scale (HPS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was applied. The study was completed with 440 people. Result: As the level of education increased, health perception scores also increased (p=0.049). There was a significant relationship between regular nutrition, exercise and self-devotion and perception of health (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001). The total score of DASS was found to be statistically significantly higher in participants with COVID disease in the first degree (p=0.044). DASS depression subscale scores were statistically higher in singles than married. PSS levels were higher in the participants under the age of 40 (p=0.002), in women (p<0.001), in singles (p<0.001) and in those who did not have children (p<0.001). Discussion: In this study, during the COVID-19 outbreak in the society, it was found that the participants had high levels of depression, anxiety and stress and low perception of health. Priority might therefore be attached to these in future psychiatric planning. Psychological interventions for prevention and treatment are necessary to reduce the psychological effects of the pandemic.