Psychological Problems and Fear of COVID-19 Pandemic among Nurses and General Population: A Comparative Study

Abstract

COVID-19 is a source of stress with incredible impact, both for people and social public gatherings. Various people may experience various levels of psychological emergency, particularly those at the center of the incident. This study aimed to compare the level of psychological problems (depression, anxiety, and stress) and fear among nurses and general population as a result of COVID -19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study design was utilized in this study. A probability sample of 132 nurses working in Sharkia Governorate hospitals and 268 individuals from general population participated in this study by using an anonymous online questionnaire. Three tools were completed by the participants in this study were a socio demographic data sheet, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, and fear of CoronaVirus-19 Scale. Results revealed that nearly one quarter of the studied nurses' group had moderate level of depression, anxiety and stress. However, more than one quarter of the studied general population had extremely severe level of depression and anxiety as well as severe level of stress. Severe level of fear of COVID-19 was experienced among one quarter of participants from nurses and general population. The study concluded that was statistically significant positive correlations were found between fear of COVID-19, depression, stress, and anxiety in both groups. Therefore, it is recommended to develop and implement psychological interventions for improving mental health and psychological resilience during the pandemic COVID-19 of both nurses and general population.