Health anxiety during the early phases of COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey and its relationship with postpandemic attitudes, hopelessness, and psychological resilience.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate health anxiety-related factors in the early stages of pandemic in Turkey. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study included 1046 participants who responded to the online survey anonymously between 28 March and 04 April 2020. FINDINGS: Demographic data, postpandemic attitudes towards the elderly and precaution-taking behaviors were health anxiety-related factors. The main predictors of the health anxiety were the level of hopelessness, perception of self, time spent on social media, and following COVID-19 pandemic-related news. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The results of this study are important in terms of understanding the health anxiety during the pandemic and providing data support for the proper interventions.