Evaluation of the Fear of Covid-19 and Hygiene Behaviors of Municipal Employees

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and the hygiene behaviors of municipal employees. The descriptive and cross-sectional this study was conducted on 283 individuals who were employees of the municipality of the southwestern region of Turkey. The COVID-19 Fear Scale and the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale were used for data collection. It was found that the COVID-19 Fear Scale total score was determined to be 21.15±6.31, and the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale score was determined to be 105.04±19.76. A positive and moderate statistically significant correlation was found between the scales (r=0.389; p<.050). The most important variables affecting COVID-19 hygiene behavior were fear in the first place (Beta=0.30), education level (Beta=0.27), and COVID-19 status of individuals (Beta=0.13 at the second place). The mean score of the COVID-19 Fear Scale was higher in married individuals, those with low education levels, those with chronic diseases, and those whose relatives were diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, the mean score of the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale was lower in divorced individuals, those with higher education and income levels, and those whose relatives were diagnosed with COVID-19 before. It was concluded that the most important variable affecting the COVID-19 hygiene behavior was the fear of COVID-19, and as the fear of COVID-19 increased, compliance with hygiene behaviors increased.