COVID-19 anxiety among front-line nurses: Predictive role of organisational support, personal resilience and social support.

AIM

This study examines the relative influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID-19 anxiety in front-line nurses.

BACKGROUND

Anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic is prevalent in the nursing workforce, potentially affecting nurses' well-being and work performance. Identifying factors that could help maintain mental health and reduce coronavirus-related anxiety among front-line nurses is imperative. Currently, no studies have been conducted examining the influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID-19 anxiety among nurses.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 325 registered nurses from the Philippines using four standardized scales.

RESULTS

Of the 325 nurses in the study, 123 (37.8%) were found to have dysfunctional levels of anxiety. Using multiple linear regression analyses, social support (β = -0.142, p = .011), personal resilience (β = -0.151, p = .008) and organisational support (β = -0.127, p = .023) predicted COVID-19 anxiety. Nurse characteristics were not associated with COVID-19 anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Resilient nurses and those who perceived higher organisational and social support were more likely to report lower anxiety related to COVID-19.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

COVID-19 anxiety may be addressed through organisational interventions, including increasing social support, assuring adequate organisational support, providing psychological and mental support services and providing resilience-promoting and stress management interventions.