The Deadly Nature of the Virus Depression: Iranian Medical Staff Battling COVID-19

Abstract

Background: COVID-19, which began in December 2019 in China, can have a broader impact on individuals' mental dimensions. Meanwhile, the medical staff battling this epidemic are more at risk of mental and emotional problems.  This study aimed to examine the level of stress, anxiety, and depression and their relationship with the level of knowledge of medical staff battling in COVID-19 pandemic treatment. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 641 medical staff using an online platform to design the questionnaire, and its link was placed in different groups of social networks all over the country  in which the medical staff battling COVID 19 were members. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 25 and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent samples t-test, independent one-way analysis of variance, and chi-square. Results: Higher knowledge about COVID-19 was associated with younger age, clinicians, and nurses. Moreover, females were more knowledgeable in terms of support; while males were more reliable in washing hands and disinfecting wet places. Based on the categorical version of psychological factors, the majority of cases had severe stress ( 39.80 % ), normal depression ( 48.50 % ), and normal anxiety ( 57.30 % ). Finally, it was found that married participants had more knowledge about COVID-19, but knew less about its fatality. Conclusion: Studies have shown negative psychological experiences caused by COVID-19 in nurses, including negative emotions, such as fatigue, discomfort, helplessness due to high-intensity work, anxiety, and worry about family members.