Assessment of community psycho-behavioral responses during the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): a cross-sectional study

Abstract

<abstract> <p>The novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) is a public health emergency of international concern resulting in adverse psychological impacts during the epidemic.</p> <sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>From 1 to 10 April 2020, we conducted an online survey. The online survey collected information on demographic data, precautionary measures against (2019-nCoV), self-health evaluation, knowledge, and concerns about (2019-nCoV), and appraisal of crisis management. The psychological impact was assessed by the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. The designed questionnaire was answered by participants, and collected data were statistically analyzed.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Results</title> <p>This study included 1200 respondents. In total, 80% of respondents rated the psychological impact; 18% reported minimal anxiety; 34% reported mild anxiety, and 48% with moderate anxiety symptoms. A large proportion (74%) believed that they were very or somewhat likely to contract (2019-nCoV) while only (35%) believed they were unlikely to survive if they contracted the disease. (58%) of the respondents, practiced the precautionary measures directed against person-to-person droplet spread. Respondents with a moderate level of anxiety were most likely to take comprehensive precautionary measures against the infection. Also, older, female, more educated people as well as those who are more likely to contract the infection.</p> </sec><sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>During the outbreak, more than half of the respondents rated the psychological impact as moderate anxiety. Thus, the psychological needs during the outbreak should be addressed appropriately. Our results highlight the need to promote protective personal health practices to interrupt the transmission of the (2019-nCoV) in the community. Therefore, educational public programs about preventive measures should be targeted at the identified groups with low current uptake of precautions.</p> </sec></abstract>