Abstract Introduction: The front-line nurses are at risk of physical and psychological damage during an epidemic. This study aimed to investigate the level of nurses’ fear in coronavirus disease 2019… Click to show full abstract
Abstract Introduction: The front-line nurses are at risk of physical and psychological damage during an epidemic. This study aimed to investigate the level of nurses’ fear in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) central hospitals in Iran. Methods: The study is cross-sectional. The questionnaire was designed in 2 parts (demographic and the level of fear). The sampling method was quota and random. The questionnaires were completed by the same nurses after 4 weeks. Results: A total of 345 questionnaires were distributed (the response rate was 89.27%). A total of 121 nurses (39.3%) were female. Most participants were in the 26-30 y group. paired t-test showed the mean fear of COVID-19 in the first and the fourth weeks was significant (P < 0.001). There was a statistical relationship between demographic variables of gender, age, marriage, number of working shifts, having children, and work experience of nurses with the level of fear. Conclusions: Health-care providers have shown resilience and a spirit of professional sacrifice to overcome problems. The nurses experienced a level of disease-related fear in close contact with COVID-19 patients. It is essential to apply strategies to optimize safe working conditions and minimize psychological harm and provide regular and intensive training to all health-care providers to improve preparedness.
               
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