The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the anxiety levels of patients admitted to emergency departments

Abstract

Aim: We aim to research the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has on the anxiety levels of patients admitted to emergency departments. Materials and Methods: This study involves 205 patients over the age of 18 who have been admitted to emergency departments. Patients have been separated into two groups according to being clinically suspected of SARS-CoV-2. Each patient is analyzed using the GAD-7 anxiety questionnaire through a face-to-face survey. Results: No significant difference exists between the self-suspected COVID-19 and control groups’ anxiety levels; however, patients self-suspected of COVID-19 stated having experienced the problem of not being able to relax more often than the control group stated. Discussion and Conclusion: Because the COVID-19 pandemic has increased social anxiety due to illness anxiety, similar results have been obtained in all patients admitted to emergency departments.