Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the hospital staff, as well as to identify protective factors of COVID-19 anxiety once the coronavirus pandemic was announced in Poland.
Methods: 90 healthcare workers from the hospital in Poland completed validated self-report questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, emotional control, and PTSD symptoms; a questionnaire assessing COVID-19 anxiety; and a socio-demographic questionnaire. A multiple linear regression was conducted to assess the effects of gender, being directly vs indirectly exposed to patients, and general self-efficacy on COVID-19 anxiety.
Results: The analysis showed that female (β = -0.271, p < 0.01) healthcare professionals indirectly exposed to patients (β = -0.336, p < 0.01) and those who reported lower levels of general self-efficacy (β = -0.295, p < 0.01) have a stronger tendency to experience COVID-19 anxiety [R 2 = 0.301, F(3,89) = 12.34, p < 0.01].
Conclusion: The findings show the importance of self-efficacy for dealing with COVID-19 anxiety. The internal coping strategies should be introduced to healthcare workers.
Keywords: COVID-19; disaster; fears; healthcare workers; protective factors.
Copyright © 2020 Bidzan, Bidzan-Bluma, Szulman-Wardal, Stueck and Bidzan.