Relationship between Resilience and Hypochondriasis due to COVID-19: A Case Study in an Occupational Environment

Abstract

Background and Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brings about serious mental problems, such as stress, anxiety, and hypochondriasis, apart from its negative physical effects. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between hypochondriasis and the resilience of employees in an occupational environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 275 employees in one of the Industries in southern Iran in the late spring of 2020. Data collection instruments included demographic information form, a researcher-made questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) CD-RSC), and Evans hypochondria standard questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22) using one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression. Results: As evidenced by the obtained results, the mean prevalence of hypochondriasis was 33.37±14.87, and the total mean of resilience score was obtained at 20.95±78.56. Hypochondriasis was significantly correlated with age, career length, use of personal protective equipment, the experience of coronavirus, and attention to preventive measures (P<0.05). Furthermore, the results pointed to the significant relationship of resilience with age, career length, attention to preventive measures, and the use of personal protective equipment(P<0.05). A significant negative relationship was observed between hypochondriasis and resilience. Conclusion: Given the psychological effects of COVID-19, such as stress and hypochondriasis, it is necessary to implement some measures to reduce hypochondriasis and increase resilience among employees. It is regarded as one of the strategies which help them to deal with hypochondriasis, especially in the difficult conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• covid-19
• hypochondriasis
• resilience