Comparison of Anxiety among Nurses Working in COVID-۱۹ and non-COVID-۱۹ Wards

This study aimed to compare anxiety levels among nurses working in COVID-۱۹ wards and other wards at Gorgan Army Hospital. This descriptive comparative study was conducted in ۲۰۲۱ with ۵۹ nurses employed at Gorgan Army Hospital using the census method. Of these, ۲۸ emergency and internal medicine department nurses worked in COVID-۱۹ inpatient wards, and ۳۱ worked in non-COVID-۱۹ wards. Data were collected using Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version ۲۲, employing descriptive statistical tests (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential tests (chi-square, independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Mann-Whitney test). The study found that ۹۸.۳% of nurses experienced state anxiety, with ۶۷.۸% reporting moderate to high levels of state anxiety and ۷۷.۹% experiencing relatively severe trait anxiety. The level of state anxiety was significantly higher in the internal medicine department with COVID-۱۹ patients (P = ۰.۰۲۰). While trait anxiety was higher in the emergency department, the difference was insignificant (P = ۰.۶۰۶). The results suggest that the uncertainty surrounding COVID-۱۹ and the lack of definitive treatment have contributed to high levels of anxiety among nurses. Therefore, it is essential to implement appropriate policies and plans to alleviate nurses' anxiety.

کلیدواژه ها:

anxiety ، Nurses ، COVID-۱۹