Evaluation of Nurses’ Vaccine Hesitancy, Psychological Resilience, and Anxiety Levels During COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the vaccine hesitancy, psychological resilience, and anxiety levels of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 676 nurses working at the survey time. Sociodemographic features, the status of hesitancy against the COVID-19 vaccine, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the Brief Resilience Scale were used in the questionnaire form to collect the data.

Results: Most participants (68.6%; n=464) stated they were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. A sig- nificantly higher rate of hesitancy was detected in the age group of 20-39 years, those who did not have COVID-19 vaccine, and those who did not think the COVID-19 vaccine is protective (P < .05). It was determined that 6.8% (n=46) of the nurses had COVID-19 anxiety. A significantly higher rate of anxiety was detected in the age group of 40 years and older, those working in the emergency department, and those working in the COVID-19 unit during the pandemic period (P < .05). The median Brief Resilience Scale score of nurses is 19(6). A negative, weak, and significant relationship was found between the Brief Resilience Scale and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores (P = .001).

Conclusion: During the pandemic, higher rates of anxiety were detected in healthcare personnel and those working in COVID-19 units. It was also found that as the level of anxiety increased, the level of psychological resilience decreased. To reduce the anxiety level and strengthen the psychological resilience of nurses, the cornerstones of the health system, fast, effective, and curative interventions should be made.

Cite this article as: Akbulut S, Boz G, Gokce A, Unsal S, Saritas H, Kızılay E, Ozer A, Serdar Akbulut M, Colak C. Evaluation of nurses' vaccine hesitancy, psychological resilience, and anxiety levels during COVID-19 pandemic. Eurasian J Med., 2023;55(2), 140-146.