An Examination of Anxiety Levels Among Families of Children Aged 0-6 with Special Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to investigate the state and trait anxiety levels of families with children aged 0–6 who have special needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the relationship between these anxiety levels and various demographic and situational factors. Families in the Turkish province of Ankara with children aged 0–6 with special needs make up the study population. The Demographic Information Collection Form and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were applied online to 101 parents. The study employed a relational screening model, and the data obtained from 101 participants were analyzed using correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Parents' state and trait anxiety levels were revealed to be positively correlated by the study. However, when the means of these two variables were compared using a paired samples t-test, no statistically significant difference was found. When comparing mothers and fathers, it was determined that women had significantly greater anxiety levels than fathers. Furthermore, it was determined that the anxiety levels of families increased as the age of their children with special needs decreased. Despite the lack of significant relationships with other variables, job status during the pandemic was found to have a significant impact on anxiety levels.