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. 2020 Nov;67(6):2892-2900.
doi: 10.1111/tbed.13662. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

Uncovering psychobehavioural implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iran

Li Ping Wong  1 , Haridah Alias  1 , Mahmoud Danaee  1 , Masood Ziaee  2 , Farshid Abedi  2 , Arash Ziaee  3 , Samira Mohajer  4   5 , Reza HajiAliBeigloo  6 , Mohammad Namazi Nia  7 , Fateme Jamei  8 , Seyed Reza Mazlom  9
Affiliations

Uncovering psychobehavioural implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iran

Li Ping Wong et al. Transbound Emerg Dis. 2020 Nov.

Abstract

Iran is the country in Western Asia most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. A survey was conducted among the general public in Iran aimed at investigating psychobehavioural issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak, namely (a) barriers to preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infection; (b) negative emotions towards SARS-CoV-2 infection; and (c) anxiety levels among the general public in Iran. A cross-sectional, web-based survey using an online questionnaire was carried out between 16 March and 1 April 2020. The six-item version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) was used to assess anxiety levels. A total of 1,789 complete responses were received. Nearly 60% reported having difficulty in wearing a face mask to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean and standard deviation (SD) for the total prevention barrier score was 35.8 (SD ± 7.1; range 18-68) out of a possible score of 72. Male respondents [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.51] and respondents who perceived their health status as poor/fair (OR = 1.49; 95% CI 1.31-1.82) were predictors of high prevention barriers. Negative emotions such as fear (74.6%) followed by depression (43.4%) and stigma (23.0%) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were reported. Respondents who perceived their health as poor/fair (OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.57-3.04) reported a higher likelihood of having higher negative emotions. Findings on anxiety level revealed 68.0% (95% CI 65.8-70.1) reported moderate to severe anxiety. Respondents who perceived their health as poor/fair (OR = 3.46; 95% CI 12.22-5.40) and who were females (OR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.55-2.36) were predictors of moderate to severe anxiety. In conclusion, psychobehavioural interventions are needed to facilitate management and control of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Keywords: COVID-19; Iran; SARS-CoV-2; anxiety; psychobehavioural.

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