PREVALENCE OF ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN COLOMBIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in a Colombian HCW sample during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by means of an online survey (May–June 2020). Respondents were HCWs in Colombia reached by a nonprobability sample. Zung's self-rating anxiety scale allowed the estimation of prevalence and classification of anxiety symptoms.

Results: A total of 568 HCWs answered the questionnaire, 66.0% were women, the mean age was 38.6 ± 11.4 years. 28.9% presented with anxiety symptoms, of whom 9.2% were moderate–severe. Characteristics such as living with relatives at higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.308–2.762), female sex (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.422–3.277), and personal history of psychiatric illness (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 2.08–5.57) were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Access to sufficient personal protective equipment (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.318–0.903) and age >40 years (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.358–0.789) were associated with lower anxiety levels.

Conclusions: Anxious symptoms are common in the population of HCWs faced with patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different strategies are required to intervene with subgroups at risk of developing higher levels of anxiety during the pandemic.

Keywords: Anxiety; Colombia; Coronavirus; Healthcare Workers; Mental Health.