Anxiety caused by the spread of COVID-19 in Iranian nurses’ families: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Nurses’ family members are at increased risk of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems associated with the pandemic and may lead to various physical and psychological complications. Given the limited evidence in Iran and the importance of understanding this issue, this study aimed to assess COVID-19–related anxiety among the family members of nurses working in hospitals in Qazvin City. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among family members of nurses working in three public hospitals in Qazvin City, Iran (Bou Ali Sina, Velayat, and Shahid Rajaei Hospitals). Participants were adult family members (≥ 18 years) living in the same household as the nurse and willing to participate. Those with a prior diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders or unwilling to complete the questionnaire were excluded. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS; range 0–54, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety). Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships among the study variables. Results The mean age of nurses and their family members was 33.54 ± 6.53 and 49.24 ± 12.38 years, respectively. Most family members (65.7%) had a diploma or lower level of education, and 75.3% were employed. The mean CDAS score among family members was 26.86 ± 19.57, indicating moderate levels of anxiety. Family members of male nurses reported higher anxiety than those of female nurses, and parents of nurses experienced higher anxiety compared to spouses or children. Multiple regression analysis showed that the nurse’s work experience, the family member’s relationship to the nurse, education level, and employment status were significant predictors of anxiety. Together, these variables explained 74% of the variance in anxiety scores. Conclusion Family members of nurses working in COVID-19 wards reported higher anxiety compared to those whose nurses worked in non-COVID wards. These findings underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions—such as psychological counseling, online support services, telemedicine-based programs, and family-centered education—to reduce anxiety and promote well-being among this at-risk population.