Prevalence and factors influencing COVID-19 Anxiety among Nepalese Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Global health epidemics or pandemics have short and long-term negative psychological impacts, including anxiety, in people everywhere. We thus investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 anxiety among the general population aged ≥18 years. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-selected convenience sampling method among 546 participants. Participants completed a five-item Corona Virus Anxiety Scale, a measure of COVID-19 anxiety. We used SPSS software to perform descriptive and inferential analysis. The majority of the participants were <29 years (88.6%), females (71.4%), Unmarried (87%), residing in urban areas (91.2%), completed college education (50.7%), and belonging to a nuclear family (76.2%). Health status showed almost 6% were suffering from some chronic illnesses, 19% experienced sleep problems, approximately 21% were from the COVID-19 risk zone, and approximately 25% were not satisfied with their present health status. About 8.1% of the total respondents had a high level of COVID anxiety, and COVID-19 anxiety was more prevalent among women, those who were married, respondents from the rural setting, those residing in an extended family, students, and those who had school education. COVID anxiety was higher among those suffering from chronic illness, those who were not satisfied with their current health status, those having sleep problems, and those from the COVID-19 risk zone. Logistic regression showed that sex and education had a significant association with COVID-19 anxiety. There is a need for increased knowledge and awareness on COVID-19 as well as mental health issues associated with it. The government should take initiatives to provide such services for the general population and those at increased risk.