Evaluation of the Anxiety Status of the Individuals in the COVID-19 Testing Process

Abstract

Objective: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has been stressful for individuals and societies. This study aimed to assess the individuals' anxiety status in the COVID-19 testing process. Material and Methods: This research is a descriptive study. The study was conducted within the COVID-19 testing process. Questionnaire form and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used as data collection tools through a face-to-face interviewwith a specialist psychiatric nurse before the COVID-19 testing. Results: In total, 296 individuals participated in the study. Among the participants and the people/family members they live with, the rate of individuals with chronic diseases were 18.9% and 24.3%, respectively. Of the participants, 22.3% had a family member with a positive COVID-19 test. The mean State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score of the participants in the study was 46.58±10.71 (40-59 points: moderate anxiety). Anxiety score average is statistically significantly higher in women, those with a chronic disease, those with a family member with a chronic disease, those with a family member with a positive COVID-19 test, and those whose spouse has a positive COVID-19 test (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is essential to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about common psychological complaints such as anxiety during pandemics, and to provide biopsychosocial monitoring to individuals by teams including family physicians and psychiatric nurses with a holistic health approach.