Health anxiety of Iranian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the health anxiety of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Material and methods: We performed a descriptive study conducted on 600 students. The short form of the Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI-18) was completed by the students at the outset of the study, and one month later when the COVID-19 virus was named as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the questionnaire was completed again by the same students, and their health anxiety was compared with that at the outset of the epidemic in Iran. Results: Analysis of the first results of HAI-18 showed that 47% of the medical students had severe anxiety, and after one month and re-completion of the questionnaire by the same individuals, this rate rose to 84%, indicating a significant difference (p < 0.001). The general score of the students' anxiety increased from 34.8 ±7.35 to 47.1 ±9.5 (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in students' health anxiety scores in terms of gender, university faculties, and academic programs (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The increased health anxiety among medical students in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic should be taken into serious consideration. Providing psychological and social support for students by focusing on their normal study routine can reduce their stress during the global coronavirus epidemic.