Assessing COVID19-related anxiety in an Egyptian sample and correlating it to knowledge and stigma about the virus

Abstract

Abstract Background COVID19 public health crisis has led to extensive anxiety regarding spread of virus. Aim of study is to assess COVID19-related anxiety in Egypt and correlate it to knowledge and stigma. Results Online questionnaire, 17–20 April 2020, had 218 Egyptian respondents to a socio-demographic questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The present study revealed that 21.2% of the respondents were experiencing severe anxiety, 34.8% moderately severe anxiety, 25.2% moderate anxiety, and 18.8% mild anxiety. Women have more rates of severe anxiety. People who get online knowledge about COVID19 have least rates of severe anxiety. 51.8% think having the virus is stigmatizing. Knowledge and stigma are insignificantly inversely correlated to anxiety scores Conclusion Online scientific health education is necessary to reduce anxiety.