HEALTHCARE WORKERS' IRRATIONAL BELIEFS AND ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION LEVELS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objectives: The beliefs or irrational beliefs impact the way individuals react or adapt to a threatening situation like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses the relationship between healthcare workers' irrational beliefs, depression, and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Metods: This study was designed as a quantitative study that used the Shortened General Attitude and Belief Scale (SGABS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to 212 healthcare workers. The collected data was subjected to t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses. Results: The study found that male participants had significantly higher levels of Devaluation of Others / irrational beliefs, while females and unmarried individuals had significantly higher levels of anxiety. Additionally, there was a predictive effect of Irrational Beliefs / need for comfort and female gender factor on anxiety levels, and a predictive effect of Irrational Beliefs / need for comfort and age factor on depression levels. Conclusion: The results indicate the need to assess healthcare workers' irrational beliefs, depression, and anxiety levels and suggest that assessment can guide the development of potential interventions.