Investigation of the anxiety levels and lifestyle changes of healthcare workers in hatay province during the covid-19 pandemic process

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the anxiety levels and lifestyle changes experienced by healthcare professionals in Hatay province during the COVID-19 outbreak. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted through a WhatsApp-based survey involving healthcare workers from primary, secondary, and tertiary care facilities in Hatay province between 25 February 2021 and 25 March 2021. Participants completed a 25-question survey designed by the researchers, as well as the Spielberger Trait and State Anxiety Inventory and the Insomnia Severity Index to assess sleep disturbance. Results: Among the 201 physicians, 137 nurses/midwives and 64 other healthcare professionals who participated, 60.2% (n=242) reported moderate anxiety according to the state anxiety scale, while 72.9% (n=293) did so on the trait anxiety scale. In addition, 62.5% (n=251) reported sleep disorders. Factors associated with higher anxiety levels included older age (p=0.018), being a physician (p=0.005), working in settings with more frequent exposure to infected patients (p=0.001), having chronic illnesses (p=0.004), changing dietary habits (p=0.001), smoking (p=0.011), seeking support (p=0.001), and risky contact with infected patients (p=0.001). Variables linked to sleep disturbances included working in high-contact areas (p=0.001), being female (p=0.033), being a doctor or nurse (p=0.013), smoking (p=0.005), dietary habits (p=0.001), physical activity (p=0.001), seeking supportive care (p=0.001), and risky contact with infected patients (p=0.001). Conclusions: The pandemic has had a negative psychological impact on healthcare workers, resulting in elevated anxiety levels and increased sleep disturbance.