The effect of perceived stress and anxiety of healthcare workers duri̇ng viral epi̇demi̇cs on parental self-efficacy

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the effect of stress and anxiety levels perceived by healthcare workers in the field during epidemic periods on their parenting self-efficacy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15.04.2023 and 01.06.2024. The study sample consisted of 235 healthcare workers (physicians, nurses, and midwives) working at Elazığ Fethi Sekin City Hospital. Data collection tools included the Descriptive Information Form, Stress and Anxiety Scale Related to Virus Epidemic for Healthcare Workers, and the Revised Berkeley Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale. Data analysis involved descriptive statistical methods such as frequency (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation), Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, Student t-Test and regression analysis were employed. Results: 62.8% of the participants were women, 80.5% were nurses, and 40.7% were in the 31-40 age range. A negatively low-level significant relationship was found between healthcare workers' stress and anxiety (SAVE-9) levels regarding the viral epidemic and their parenting self-efficacy. Regression analysis revealed that the stress and anxiety levels perceived by healthcare workers towards viral outbreaks explained β=0,173 (%17,3) of the variance in parenting self-efficacy and affected it by (R': 0.03). Conclusion: A negatively low-level significant relationship was determined between the stress and anxiety levels of healthcare workers actively working in the field and their parenting self-efficacy. Taking short- or long-term measures to strengthen family relationships and prevent the deterioration of children's mental health can help healthcare workers navigate the pandemic with less damage and contribute to their effective work. Key Words:Parental self-efficacy,Public Health Nursing, Healthcare professionals, Pandemic.