Anxiety level in pre-hospital emergency medical services personnel during coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic

Aim: This study aimed to determine the anxiety level in pre-hospital emergency medical services personnel (PHEMSPs) and investigate the factors that potentially affect the anxiety level during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted with PHEMSPs during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A 60-item survey, including socio-demographic characteristics, anxiety-related demographic factors, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale scores was used. Results: Among 586 PHEMSPs participating in the study, 50.5% were female, with median age of 30 years. The mean STAI-S value was 42.2, and the median STAI-T value was 48. The anxiety levels of female PHEMSPs (STAI-S=51 and STAI-T=44.14) were higher than male (STAI-S=44 and, STAI-T=40.26). The anxiety level of patients with chronic diseases (STAI-S=56 and, STAI-T=45.77) was significantly higher than those without chronic diseases. State anxiety scores in married individuals (STAI-S=49) were higher than those unmarried individuals. Conclusion: Clearly, people who provide this service should be psychologically healthy to efficiently provide healthcare for the benefit of the people. All types of media assume a great responsibility in reducing the unrest or anxiety that may occur in humans, especially because of their potential to reach many parts of the society