Analysis of the anxiety caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in individuals according to some socio-demographic variables

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of the Covid-19 epidemic on the anxiety levels that may occur in individuals according to their sociodemographic characteristics. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 266 people. Participants' responses to sociodemographic and STAI(S-T) forms were evaluated. The data were evaluated with One-way ANOVA analysis, Student's-t test, Regression analysis, Factor analysis and Pearson correlation tests; p <0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the study, the mean total score for the state anxiety level was 44,09 ± 12,96 and the mean total score for the trait anxiety level was 45.41 ± 10.26. Participants' state and trait anxiety scale scores were compared according to their sociodemographic characteristics and were found to be statistically significant in some subgroups (p <0.05). For example; women (TA:46,51±10,75) compared to men (TA:43,25±8,85), 18-25 (TA:47,89±9,83) age group compared to other age groups, singles (TA:46,85±9,88) compared to those married (TA:43,08±10,45), smoking (SA:47,60±11,59) and alcohol(SA:47,37±11,30) users compared to non-users, those with psychological disorders(SA:49,71±12,29; TA: 51,57±8,83) compared to those without, whether there are people who died due to covid-19 among relatives and/or surroundings (SA: 46,59±13,62; TA: 47,58±10,44) compared to those none, a significant difference was found between state and / or trait anxiety levels accordingly(p <0,05). In addition, a strong positive correlation was found between state and trait anxiety levels (n=266, r = 0,708; p <0.05). Conclusion: As in other epidemic diseases, it has been determined that the Covid-19 epidemic also causes anxiety in individuals. It has revealed the fact that public health should be strengthened against similar situations.