Investigating the Role of Psychological Stubbornness and Tendency to Exercise in Predicting Health Anxiety During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic

Background: Given the pandemic status of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which affects almost all important economic, political, and social aspects, it is important to discuss the psychological effects of this disease on the mental health of individuals at different levels of society. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of psychological stubbornness and exercise tendency in predicting health anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: The present correlational analytical-cross-sectional study was performed on all citizens of Khorramabad, Iran, in 2020. 352 people were selected through available sampling. The instruments used included Kiamarsi et al.’s Ahvaz Hardiness Inventory (AHI), Zarandieh Tendency to Exercise Questionnaire, and Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI) of Salkovskis et al. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and stepwise regression analysis via SPSS software. Findings: There was a significant negative correlation between mental stubbornness (r = -0.574) and tendency to exercise (r = -0.407) with health anxiety (P < 0.010). Findings of stepwise multiple regression analysis also showed that the variables of mental stubbornness (β = 0.318, P < 0.010) and tendency to exercise (β= 0.460, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of health anxiety. Conclusion: Given the importance of the role of mental stubbornness and tendency to exercise in predicting health anxiety, it is possible to take an effective step in reducing health anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic by strengthening mental stubbornness as well as filling leisure time with various sports activitie