Corona Anxiety in Nurses: The Predictive Role of Perceived Social Support and Sense of Coherence

Abstract

Objectives: Healthcare workers involved in the fight against corona are at high risk for depression and anxiety; therefore, this study aimed to predict Corona anxiety in nurses based on perceived social support and a sense of coherence. Methods: The research method was descriptive and correlational. The present study’s statistical population consisted of all nurses working in hospitals and clinics in Rasht, employed in 2020, and 200 people participated in the survey online and through virtual networks. Data collection tools included the Corona anxiety Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Sense of Coherence Inventory-(SOC)13 Scale. Data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test and simultaneous regression analysis using SPSS V. 23 software. Results: Corona anxiety in nurses had a negative and significant relationship with perceived social support (β=-0.581; P<0.03) and sense of coherence(β=-0.672; P<0.001). Perceived social support and a sense of coherence of 42% of variance predicted Corona anxiety scores in nurses (P<0.01). Conclusion: Therefore, perceived social support and a sense of coherence play an essential role in nurses’ Corona anxiety. Therefore, educating nurses to increase the understanding of cohesion to empower and implement understandable support programs is recommended.