Journal: |
The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery
SpringerOpen
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Abstract: |
Background: Coronaphobia refers to intensified and persistent fears of contracting COVID-19 virus infection. This
study aimed to evaluate the newly termed phenomenon, coronaphobia, and address its associated correlates
among Egyptian physicians during the outbreak. A cross-sectional study, including a total of 426 Egyptian
physicians working during COVID-19 outbreak, was conducted between March 1st and May 1st, 2020. The Fear of
COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were utilized for assessment of
coronaphobia, and comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms among physicians, respectively during the
outbreak.
Results: Moderate-to-severe symptoms of anxiety and depression were reported by 28% and 30% of physicians,
respectively. Physicians experiencing higher levels of coronaphobia were more likely to be females, nonsmokers,
having death wishes and/or self-harming thoughts, receiving insufficient training, dissatisfied with their personal
protective equipment (PPE), and had colleagues infected with COVID-19 virus infection. Coronaphobia was
positively correlated with anxiety (r = 0.59, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (r = 0.47, P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Egyptian physicians experienced higher levels of coronaphobia, anxiety, and depressive symptoms
during the COVID-19 outbreak. Yet, frontline physicians did not differ from their second-line counterparts regarding
the aforementioned symptoms. Routine mental and physical assessment measures of medical staff should be
implemented.
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