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| Published: August 18, 2021

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

Khem Raj Bhatta

Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

, Prabin Shrestha

Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University, Trichandra Multiple Campus, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

, Kabita Khati

Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

, Padam Raj Joshi

Masters in Counseling Psychology Program, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

, Narendra Singh Thagunna

The School of Psychology Nepal & Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

, Kabira Shrestha

Padma Kanya Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

, Tank Prasad Pokharel

Central Department of Psychology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal Google Scholar More about the auther

DIP: 18.01.076.20210903

DOI: 10.25215/0903.076

ABSTRACT

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.

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Narendra Singh Thagunna @ thagunnanarendra81@gmail.com

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Article Overview

ISSN 2348-5396

ISSN 2349-3429

18.01.076.20210903

10.25215/0903.076

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Published in   Volume 09, Issue 3, July- September, 2021