State-trait anxiety levels in Turkey during COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship to somatosensory amplification

Abstract

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which is a global public health problem continues to affect humans both physically and psychologically all around the world. So, it is important to diagnose and manage the anxiety while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed to separately evaluate state and trait anxiety in the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. In addition, it was aimed to investigate the relation of demographic variable with state anxiety in the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the relationship between trait anxiety and somatosensory amplification with state anxiety.726 participants who responded to online survey between March 30th and April 20th, 2020 were evaluated. All participants answered the survey that covered sociodemographic data and questions specifically about COVID-19 pandemic as well as State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Somatosensory Amplification Scale. Pearson test was used for correlation analysis, ordinal variables were analyzed with Spearman correlation test. State anxiety is higher, if the participant is woman, has an acquaintance with the COVID-19 positivity, has a chronic medical condition and currently receiving or has history of psychiatric treatment. Age, monthly income, trait anxiety level and somatosensory amplification are also factors related to state anxiety. In conclusion, it is considered that those populations may be more vulnerable to the psychological effects of pandemic and they should be closely followed up for longer periods.