Malaysian Family Physician (Sep 2023)

Level of fear towards COVID-19 and its determinants among healthcare providers in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

  • Siew Mooi Ching,
  • Ai Theng Cheong,
  • Anne Yee,
  • Ramayah Thurasamy,
  • Poh Ying Lim,
  • Irmi Zarina Ismail,
  • Nik Mazlina ,
  • Mohammad,
  • Bee Kiau Ho,
  • Jun Ying Ng,
  • Siow Foon ,
  • Tan,
  • Zienna Zufida Zainol Rashid,
  • Sathya Rao Jogulu,
  • Kai Wei Lee,
  • Sri Wahyu Taher

DOI
https://doi.org/10.51866/oa.238
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18
p. 56

Abstract

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Introduction: Malaysia is one of the hardest-hit countries by COVID-19 in Asia. The rapidly rising number of cases had sparked fear among healthcare providers. This study aimed to assess the determinants of fear towards COVID-19 among healthcare providers in primary care settings. Methods: This online-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1280 healthcare providers aged ≥18 years from 30 primary care clinics in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to assess the level of fear, and the results were analysed using multiple linear regression. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 36 years, and the mean working experience was 11 years. The majority of the respondents were women (82.4%) and Malays (82.3%). The factors that were significantly correlated with higher levels of fear were underlying chronic disease (ß=1.12, P=0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.08, 3.15), concern about mortality from COVID-19 (ß=3.3, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.19, 7.22), higher risk of exposure (ß=0.8, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.14, 5.91), concern for self at work (ß=2.8, P=0.002, 95% CI=0.08, 3.10) and work as a nurse (ß=3.6, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.30, 7.52), medical laboratory worker (ß=3.0, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.12, 4.27) and healthcare assistant (ß=3.9, P<0.001, 95% CI=0.17, 5.73). The level of fear was inversely correlated with a higher work-related stress management score (ß=−0.9, P<0.001, 95% CI=−0.14, −5.07) and a higher sleep quality score (ß=−1.8, P<0.001, 95% CI=−0.28, −10.41). Conclusion: Family physicians should be vigilant and identify healthcare providers at risk of developing COVID-19-related fear to initiate early mental health intervention.

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