Generalized anxiety disorder and sleep quality during COVID-19 lockdown in Egypt: a web-based cross-sectional survey

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in China in December 2019. During any major epidemic, psychosocial disturbance occurs, which can surpass people’s capacity to handle the condition. Objective The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety disorder and to assess sleep quality among Egyptian adults during COVID-19 lockdown. Methods The study was cross-sectional study through an anonymous web-based survey. Results Majority of participants were females (80.3%), highly educated (96.8%), and with mean age of 32.9 ± 8.7 years. Nearly two-thirds were healthcare workers (65.5%). The overall prevalence of anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder score more than 9) was 42.5%. Nearly three-fourth (73.5%) of participants reported poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score more than 5). In the multivariate logistic regression models, being female (adjusted odds ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–2.7 for anxiety and adjusted odds ratio = 2.217, 95% confidence interval: 1.461–3.364 for poor sleep quality), younger than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.537, 95% confidence interval: 0.376–0.767 for anxiety and adjusted odds ratio = 0.578, 95% confidence interval: 0.397–0.841 for poor sleep quality), and focusing more time on COVID-19 news (adjusted odds ratio = 1.937, 95% confidence interval: 1.601–2.343 for anxiety and adjusted odds ratio = 1.494, 95% confidence interval: 1.219–1.83 for poor sleep quality) were significant predictors of anxiety and poor sleep quality. Conclusion There was an increase in both anxiety and sleep disorders during COVID-19 pandemic. Young women spending more time on COVID-19 were at higher risk of developing anxiety and poor sleep quality.