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Coronavirus Outbreak and Stress in Iranians

Author

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  • Masoomeh Maarefvand

    (Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 1985713834, Iran
    Iranian Scientific Association of Social Work, Tehran 1985713834, Iran)

  • Samaneh Hosseinzadeh

    (Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 1985713834, Iran)

  • Ozra Farmani

    (Iranian Scientific Association of Social Work, Tehran 1985713834, Iran)

  • Atefeh Safarabadi Farahani

    (Iranian Scientific Association of Social Work, Tehran 1985713834, Iran)

  • Jagdish Khubchandani

    (Department of Nutrition and Health Science, College of Health, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306, USA)

Abstract

Iran has faced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in the world, and no studies to date have examined COVID-19-related stress in the general Iranian population. In this first population-based study, a web-based survey was conducted during the peak of the outbreak to assess stress and its correlates in the Iranian population. A 54-item, valid, and reliable questionnaire, including items on demographic characteristics and past medical history, stress levels, awareness about signs and symptoms of COVID-19, knowledge about at-risk groups and prevention methods, knowledge about transmission methods, trust in sources of information, and availability of facemasks and sanitizers, was deployed via social and mass media networks. A total of 3787 Iranians participated in the study where the majority of the participants were females (67.4%), employed (56.1%), from developed provinces (81.6%), without chronic diseases (66.6%), and with ≥13 years of formal education (87.9%). The mean age of study participants was 34.9 years (range = 12–73), and the average stress score was 3.33 (SD = ±1.02). Stress score was significantly higher for females, those who were 30–39 years old, housewives, those with chronic diseases, individuals who were aware that there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, those who could not get facemasks or sanitizers, and individuals with higher knowledge about at-risk groups ( p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation of stress scores with knowledge about prevention methods for COVID-19 (r = 0.21, p = 0.01) and trust in sources of information about COVID-19 (r = −0.18, p = 0.01). All of the predictors, except knowledge of two important at-risk groups and education, had a significant effect on stress scores based on a multivariate regression model. The COVID-19 outbreak could increase stress among all population groups, with certain groups at higher risk. In the high-risk groups and based on experience with previous pandemics, interventions are needed to prevent long-term psychological effects. Professional support and family-centered programs should be a part of pandemic mitigation-related policymaking and public health practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Masoomeh Maarefvand & Samaneh Hosseinzadeh & Ozra Farmani & Atefeh Safarabadi Farahani & Jagdish Khubchandani, 2020. "Coronavirus Outbreak and Stress in Iranians," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4441-:d:374248
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    References listed on IDEAS

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