Investigation of COVID-19 Fear and Hygiene Levels of Patients Referred to Neurosurgery Policlinic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Covid-19 Fear and Hygiene Levels of Patients Referred to Neurosurgery Policlinic

Abstract

Aim

To investigate the relation of fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive hygiene behaviours in patients referred to neurosurgery policlinic.

Material and Method

COVID-19 fear and hygiene scales were used as data collection tools and distributed to patients in face-to-face appointment waiting rooms. Descriptive statistical methods, significance tests and correlation analyses were carried out to analyze the data. The data analysis was performed in a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Of 304 participants, 14.1 % have had a COVID-19 history. There is a significant relationship between COVID-19 hygiene and fear levels. No significant difference is found between COVID-19 hygiene and fear levels of participants depending on history of COVID-19 in their close ones. Regarding their own COVID-19 history status, while COVID-19 fear levels do not change significantly, total hygiene scores and all subdimension scores are found to be significantly different.

Conclusion

In our sample prevalence of COVID-19 is higher than normal population, which is a high-risk group for COVID-19. Fear of COVID-19 has a role in preventive hygiene behaviours. These findings can be used to develop training and prevention programmes to help people cope with for fear of COVID-19 and perform preventive behaviours.