Comparison of Death Anxiety and Happiness of Nurses Working in Corona Wards with Those of Nurses Working in Other Wards in Educational-Medical Centers of Shiraz, Iran, In 2020

This study aimed to compare death anxiety and happiness in nurses of Corona wards with those of nurses in other wards in educational-medical centers of Shiraz, Iran, in 2020.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 155 nurses working in Corona wards, and 155 nurses working in other wards of educational-medical centers in Shiraz, Iran. They were selected using a relatively stratified sampling method in proportion to the number of nurses in each educational and medical center. The data were collected using a three-part questionnaire (demographic characteristics, Oxford happiness, Templer death anxiety). The obtained data were then analyzed using SPSS software (version 26) through descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

The mean scores of death anxiety in nurses working in Corona wards and other wards were obtained at 8.34±3.06 and 7.15±3.38, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean scores of death anxiety (P<0.05). The mean scores of happiness in nurses of Corona wards and other wards were 39.77±11.14 and 45.43±10.38, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean scores of happiness (P<0.05). Moreover, an inverse relationship was observed between death anxiety and happiness (P<0.001, r=-0.482).

It is suggested that in critical situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of nurses be given more attention.