COVID-19 anxiety among front-line nurses: Predictive role of organisational support, personal resilience and social support

Aim This study examines the relative influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID-19 anxiety in front-line nurses. Background Anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic is prevalent in the nursing workforce, potentially affecting nurses' well-being and work performance. Identifying factors that could help maintain mental health and reduce coronavirus-related anxiety among front-line nurses is imperative. Currently, no studies have been conducted examining the influence of personal resilience, social support and organisational support in reducing COVID-19 anxiety among nurses. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 325 registered nurses from the Philippines using four standardized scales. Results Of the 325 nurses in the study, 123 (37.8%) were found to have dysfunctional levels of anxiety. Using multiple linear regression analyses, social support (beta = -0.142,p = .011), personal resilience (beta = -0.151,p = .008) and organisational support (beta = -0.127,p = .023) predicted COVID-19 anxiety. Nurse characteristics were not associated with COVID-19 anxiety. Conclusions Resilient nurses and those who perceived higher organisational and social support were more likely to report lower anxiety related to COVID-19. Implication for Nursing Management COVID-19 anxiety may be addressed through organisational interventions, including increasing social support, assuring adequate organisational support, providing psychological and mental support services and providing resilience-promoting and stress management interventions.