Evaluation of anxiety and health anxiety levels and associated factors among healthcare workers aged 18 and over at Akdeniz University Hospital

Objective: This study aimed to determine the levels of anxiety and health anxiety among healthcare workers aged 18 years and older employed at Akdeniz University Hospital, and to evaluate the individual and occupational factors associated with these levels. The study sought to reveal the prevalence of anxiety and health anxiety in healthcare professionals, identify the determining variables influencing these conditions, and develop recommendations to support mental well- being. Methods: This cross-sectional and correlational study included 241 healthcare workers who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a three-part questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews and an online survey. The first section consisted of a sociodemographic and occupational information form; the second included the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI); and the third comprised the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.23±8.21 years; 73.4% were female, 51.5% were married, and 63.9% held a bachelor's degree. Among the participants, 35.3% had at least one chronic disease, and 22.4% reported a family history of mental illness. The mean total score of the Health Anxiety Inventory was 17.51±12.20, while the mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score was 15.32±7.38. A positive and moderate correlation was found between health anxiety and general anxiety scores (r=0.484; p<0.001). Age, educational status, marital status, professional experience, and weekly working hours had no significant effect on either scale (p>0,05). Female participants had significantly higher HAI and BAI scores compared to males (p<0.05). Based on professional roles, nurses exhibited significantly higher health anxiety scores compared to allied healthcare personnel (p=0.022). Participants with chronic diseases had significantly higher BAI scores (p=0.008). Those with migraine and musculoskeletal-related conditions also had higher levels of health anxiety and general anxiety (p<0.05). Participants receiving 86 psychiatric or psychological support demonstrated significantly higher health anxiety and general anxiety levels (p<0.001). Smoking and alcohol use did not result in significant differences in scale scores (p>0.05). Regression analysis indicated that gender, educational level, job title, history of mental health support, and non-smoking status significantly predicted health anxiety; whereas gender, receiving mental health support, presence of chronic disease, and non-smoking predicted general anxiety (p<0.05). Conclusion and Recommendations: This study demonstrates that healthcare workers experience moderate levels of anxiety and health anxiety, and that there is a significant positive relationship between the two. Chronic disease, migraine, musculoskeletal disorders, and receiving mental health support emerged as risk- enhancing factors. It is recommended to implement regular mental health screenings, enhance access to psychosocial support services, and improve working conditions to reduce workload and strengthen the mental well-being of healthcare workers.