Anxiety level of public university employees with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection

INTRODUCTION: Workers on leave awaiting confirmation of coronavirus infection may experience worry and anticipatory stress. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the anxiety levels of employees at a public university in the state of São Paulo who were put on leave due to suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and to correlate their anxiety levels with personal and work-related variables. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used an online survey to collect data from employees who took a diagnostic test for COVID-19. The participants’ anxiety level was measured using Greenberger and Padesky’s Anxiety Inventory, while data on personal and work-related variables were collected through a socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Most of the 153 participants (76.5%) reported anxiety symptoms. COVID-19 infection was confirmed in 51%. The highest prevalence of severe anxiety (27%) was among employees who had indirect contact with COVID-19 patients. Three variables - being a woman, being a regular employee, and previous physical health problems - were responsible for a higher risk of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This study’s findings indicate the need to protect the mental health of the university’s employees.