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COVID-19-Related Fear and Anxiety: Spiritual-Religious Coping in Healthcare Workers in Portugal

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  • Filipe Prazeres

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
    Family Health Unit Beira Ria, 3830-596 Gafanha da Nazaré, Portugal
    Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal)

  • Lígia Passos

    (Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal)

  • José Augusto Simões

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
    Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    Family Health Unit Caminhos do Cértoma, 3050-428 Pampilhosa, Portugal)

  • Pedro Simões

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
    Family Health Unit Pulsar, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Carlos Martins

    (Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    MEDCIDS—Department of Community Medicine, Information and Decision in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal)

  • Andreia Teixeira

    (Centre for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
    MEDCIDS—Department of Community Medicine, Information and Decision in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
    Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of the general population, and for healthcare workers (HCWs) it has been no different. Religiosity and spirituality are known coping strategies for mental illnesses, especially in stressful times. This study aimed to describe the role of spiritual-religious coping regarding fear and anxiety in relation to COVID-19 in HCWs in Portugal. A cross-sectional quantitative online survey was performed. Socio-demographic and health data were collected as well as the Duke University Religion Index, Spirituality Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Two hundred and twenty-two HCWs participated in the study, 74.3% were female and 81.1% were physicians. The median age was 37 years (Q1, Q3: 31, 51.3). Religiosity was neither a significant factor for coronavirus-related anxiety nor it was for fear of COVID-19. Participants with higher levels in the hope/optimism dimension of the Spirituality Scale showed less coronavirus-related anxiety. Female HCWs, non-physicians, and the ones with a previous history of anxiety presented higher levels of fear and/or anxiety related to COVID-19. HCWs’ levels of distress should be identified and reduced, so their work is not impaired.

Suggested Citation

  • Filipe Prazeres & Lígia Passos & José Augusto Simões & Pedro Simões & Carlos Martins & Andreia Teixeira, 2020. "COVID-19-Related Fear and Anxiety: Spiritual-Religious Coping in Healthcare Workers in Portugal," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2020:i:1:p:220-:d:470578
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Inna Reddy Edara & Fides del Castillo & Gregory Siy Ching & Clarence Darro del Castillo, 2021. "Religiosity, Emotions, Resilience, and Wellness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Taiwanese University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-21, June.
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