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

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.

Automated summary

This study found that during the early stages of the pandemic in Turkey, health anxiety was associated with levels of hopelessness, perception of self, time spent on social media, and following COVID-19 news. Attitudes towards the elderly and precaution-taking behaviors also impacted health anxiety. The results of this study are important for understanding health anxiety during the pandemic and providing data support for interventions.