The Relationship Between Job Stress and COVID-19-Induced Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Previous research has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of individuals, particularly healthcare workers (HCWs), who are at the front line of the battle against COVID-19. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between job stress and COVID-19-induced anxiety among HCWs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran in 2022. Data were collected using three questionnaires, including the Demographic Questionnaire, the Health and Safety Executives (HSE) Questionnaire, and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS). To evaluate the correlation between job stress and COVID-19-induced anxiety, we employed logistic regression using SPSS software (version 22), considering a significance level of 0.05. Results: This study found that HCWs in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province experienced moderate levels of job stress, and approximately half of them reported mild COVID-19-induced anxiety. In addition, COVID-19-induced anxiety was influenced by two other factors: History of COVID-19 (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.18 - 6.40) and the history of death in the family due to COVID-19 (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.23 - 9.70). Also, this study showed that job stress increases COVID-19-induced anxiety (OR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.95 - 8.21). Conclusions: Job stress has a direct positive effect on COVID-19-induced anxiety. However, the strengthening of the relationship between job stress and COVID-19-induced anxiety may be due to the confounding role of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we must teach HCWs how to manage stress and anxiety during pandemics like the COVID-19 pandemic.