Healthcare Workers' Anxiety Levels and Mindful Attention Awareness Towards the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aim: Mindful attention awareness and anxiety levels of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were unknown. In this study, we aimed to measure the behavioral changes of healthcare workers together with their anxiety and mindful attention awareness levels during the pandemic. Methods: A brief mental health examination was conducted on healthcare workers who were actively involved in the COVID-19 pandemic to identify any dysfunctional anxiety issues associated with COVID-19. A survey containing behavioral changes, as well as a coronavirus anxiety scale and mindful attention awareness scale were administered to healthcare workers during the pandemic. Results: A total of 146 healthcare workers, 56.2% of women were included in the study. The coronavirus anxiety scale score values of the participants were a mean of 4±4.4 (Min=0-Max=20), and 13.7% of them had high levels of anxiety. The mean score for the mindful attention awareness scale score was a mean 59.4±13.9 (Min=22-Max=90). Females had higher coronavirus anxiety scale scores (p=0.003), but males had greater mindful attention awareness scale scores (p=0.001). It was determined that the coronavirus anxiety scale total scores averages of healthcare workers whose sleep (p=0.001), out-of-hospital clothing (p=0.006), and eating habits (p=0.017) changed during the pandemic were statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). Healthcare workers with higher coronavirus anxiety scores used more prophylactic drugs and supplements/vitamins after contact with COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Although the coronavirus anxiety scale score was below average and the mindful attention awareness scale score was above average, healthcare workers' behaviors changed during the pandemic. Coronavirus anxiety and mindful attention awareness scale levels affected the behaviors of healthcare workers. Psychosocial support programs must be provided to healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• Anxiety
• Healthcare workers
• Mindfulness
• Behavior
• Pandemics

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