Investigating Hopelessness and Fear among the General Population during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the levels of hopelessness and fear of COVID-19 in individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study was concluded Sinop Province, Turkey, from July 2020 to September 2020. The study sample consisted of 1200 individuals living in Sinop who agreed to participate in the study. An interview form was filled by the researcher for the individuals who decided to participate in the study. Results: Of the 1200 participants, 537 (44.75%) were male, and 663 (55.25%) were female, with a mean age of 38.96. Participants had mild hopelessness (8.42%) and moderate COVID-19 fear (20.74%). There was a direct correlation between the COVID-19 Fear Scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. A statistically significant correlation was found between age, education, and fear of COVID-19 (respectively, p=0.001; p=0.010). A statistically significant correlation was found between the number of days the participants went out per week and income and fear of COVID-19 (respectively, p=0.001; p=0.001). There was also a significant difference between work and hopelessness (p=0.033). While there is a weak negative relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and the number of days individuals go out per week; A weak positive correlation was found with age (r=-0.109; r=0.098, respectively). Conclusion: Due to the rapid spread of the pandemic, it was considered that policymakers and officials should develop effective behavioral strategies to reduce the mental consequences of the pandemic in society.