PREVALENCE OF ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN COLOMBIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in a Colombian HCW sample during the COVID-19 pandemic.OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms in a Colombian HCW sample during the COVID-19 pandemic.A cross-sectional study was carried out by means of an online survey (May-June 2020). Respondents were HCWs in Colombia reached by a nonprobability sample. Zung's self-rating anxiety scale allowed the estimation of prevalence and classification of anxiety symptoms.METHODSA cross-sectional study was carried out by means of an online survey (May-June 2020). Respondents were HCWs in Colombia reached by a nonprobability sample. Zung's self-rating anxiety scale allowed the estimation of prevalence and classification of anxiety symptoms.A total of 568 HCWs answered the questionnaire, 66.0% were women, the mean age was 38.6±11.4 years. 28.9% presented with anxiety symptoms, of whom 9.2% were moderate-severe. Characteristics such as living with relatives at higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection (OR:1.90; 95% CI: 1.308-2.762), female sex (OR:2.16; 95% CI: 1.422-3.277), and personal history of psychiatric illness (OR:3.41; 95% CI: 2.08-5.57) were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Access to sufficient personal protective equipment (OR:0.45; 95% CI: 0.318-0.903) and age >40 years (OR:0.53; 95% CI: 0.358-0.789) were associated with lower anxiety levels.RESULTSA total of 568 HCWs answered the questionnaire, 66.0% were women, the mean age was 38.6±11.4 years. 28.9% presented with anxiety symptoms, of whom 9.2% were moderate-severe. Characteristics such as living with relatives at higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection (OR:1.90; 95% CI: 1.308-2.762), female sex (OR:2.16; 95% CI: 1.422-3.277), and personal history of psychiatric illness (OR:3.41; 95% CI: 2.08-5.57) were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Access to sufficient personal protective equipment (OR:0.45; 95% CI: 0.318-0.903) and age >40 years (OR:0.53; 95% CI: 0.358-0.789) were associated with lower anxiety levels.Anxious symptoms are common in the population of HCWs faced with patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different strategies are required to intervene with subgroups at risk of developing higher levels of anxiety during the pandemic.[[[es]]]ResumenObjetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de síntomas de ansiedad en una muestra de personal de salud (PDS) colombianos durante la pandemia por COVID-19-.Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un