The Relationship Between State-Trait Anxiety Levels, Hopelessness Levels and Duration of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: In addition to its physical effects, COVID-19 also causes significant psychological effects. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between state and trait anxiety and hopelessness levels of inpatients with sociodemographic variables and length of hospital stay. Methods: 161 patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 who received in-hospital treatment between 20.11.2020-10.01.2021 in hospital were included in the study. After the interview with the patients, the Sociodemographic data form, State-Trait Anxiety Scale and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) were administered online via Google Forms. Results: A significant correlation was detected between participants' Trait Anxiety Scale scores and State Anxiety Scale scores (r: 0.436; p<0.001). But, no correlation was detected between participants' BHS total scores and State Anxiety Scale scores (r: -0.080, p=0.314). Anxiety scores of patients hospitalized for more than 3 days increased significantly (p=0.010). None of the features such as age, gender, educational status, history of psychiatric disease caused a difference in anxiety and hopelessness levels. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients had lower anxiety levels in the first 3 days after hospitalization, it was observed that their anxiety levels increased as the duration of hospitalization was prolonged. Accordingly, psychosocial interventions should be planned for people with prolonged hospitalization.