Published online Sep 19, 2022. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i9.1194
Peer-review started: March 10, 2022
First decision: April 18, 2022
Revised: April 27, 2022
Accepted: August 16, 2022
Article in press: August 16, 2022
Published online: September 19, 2022
This study examined the associations between social support and anxiety during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an Israeli sample.
To examine the associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 in an Israeli sample.
Data for this cross-sectional study were retrieved from an online survey. Linear regression, logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models were conducted to test for associations between social support and anxiety.
A total of 655 individuals took part in the present study. In the univariate linear regression model, there is a negative correlation between the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score (GAD-7) and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) score. For MSPSS score, the multivariable adjusted regression coefficient and 95% confidence interval (CI) of GAD-7 score were -0.779 (-1.063 to -0.496). In the univariate logistic regression model, there was a negative correlation between anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 9) and MSPSS score, and there was still a negative correlation in multivariate logical regression analysis. The odds ratios and 95%CI were 0.709 (0.563-0.894).
Social support was inversely correlated with anxiety during COVID-19 in an Israeli sample.
Core Tip: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Due to the massive spread and high infectivity of the virus, most countries have adopted various lockdown measures to control the epidemic. Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental disorders. To examine the associations between social support and anxiety during the COVID-19 in an Israeli sample. A total of 655 individuals took part in the present study. Our results show that in the Israeli sample social support is negatively correlated with anxiety during COVID-19. This underscores the importance of social support for anxiety prevention during COVID-19 locking.