Relationship between spirituality and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of the staff of two Nigerian tertiary hospitals

Anxiety is a common psychological phenomenon experienced by persons at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to identify the difference in anxiety levels based on socio-demography, knowledge about COVID-19, and spirituality of health care workers in two hospitals in Benin-City, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted where 252 participants completed a questionnaire containing socio-demographics, COVID-19 related knowledge, the Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Ironson–Woods Spirituality/Religiousness Index. The participants were 63.5% females;the median age was 40.0 years;half were nurses;a preponderance had tertiary education and above and they recorded a mild mean anxiety score of 9.32 (SD = ±12.86). Spirituality negatively and strongly correlated with anxiety (r = −.91, p < .001) after controlling for gender and age. Possible multiple factors such as personal, institutional, natural, and spiritual were suggested for the modest level of anxiety. Application of spirituality was recommended in anxiety-reduction therapy.

Neuroticism, resilience, and social support: correlates of severe anxiety among hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and Botswana.

BACKGROUND: The role of healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic may make them more susceptible to anxiety than the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and evaluate the potential effects of resilience, neuroticism, social support, and other sociodemographic factors on anxiety among HCWs from two African countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 373 HCWs was conducted in Botswana and Nigeria, using an anxiety rating scale, neuroticism subscale of Big Five Inventory, Oslo social support scale, and Resilience Scale. Data collection was done between May 1 and September 30, 2020. RESULTS: The participants' mean age (SD) was 38.42 (8.10) years, and 65.1% were females. Forty-nine (13.1%) of the HCWs reported clinical anxiety. In the final model of hierarchical multiple regression, neuroticism (B = 0.51, t = 10.59, p = p < 0.01), resilience (B = 0.34, t = - 7.11, p < 0.01), and social support (B = 0.079, t = - 2.11, p = 0.035) were associated with severe anxiety, after controlling for the significant sociodemographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Severe anxiety exists among HCWs in Africa, although the rate was lower than reported elsewhere. Neuroticism, resilience, and social support may be vital targets for psychological intervention in a pandemic as COVID-19; thus, their roles should be further explored.