Factors Associated with Anxiety Caused by the Possibility of Infection with Monkeypox in Perú

Abstract

Abstract Monkeypox is causing great concern due to its great infectious power and the possibility that it could become a new pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with the anxiety produced by the possibility of being infected with monkeypox in Peru. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted; a previously validated survey was used to measure concern about possible infection and its association with other sociodemographic variables. Of the 779 respondents, 5% mentioned that they were concerned almost all the time about the possibility of being infected with monkeypox. Women, those who always worry and cannot control it and those who are discouraged, depressed or without hope had more anxiety/concern about being infected; in contrast, those who lived on the coast and independent and dependent workers were less concerned. In conclusion, there were important factors that were associated with greater concern for this disease, especially among women and among those who were more anxious or depressed. The findings of this study should be evaluated in other populations to prevent the deterioration of mental health.