Relationship between spirituality and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of the staff of two Nigerian tertiary hospitals

Anxiety is a common psychological phenomenon experienced by persons at risk of contracting the novel coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to identify the difference in anxiety levels based on socio-demography, knowledge about COVID-19, and spirituality of health care workers in two hospitals in Benin-City, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted where 252 participants completed a questionnaire containing socio-demographics, COVID-19 related knowledge, the Anxiety Rating Scale, and the Ironson-Woods Spirituality/Religiousness Index. The participants were 63.5% females; the median age was 40.0 years; half were nurses; a preponderance had tertiary education and above and they recorded a mild mean anxiety score of 9.32 (SD = +/- 12.86). Spirituality negatively and strongly correlated with anxiety (r = -.91, p < .001) after controlling for gender and age. Possible multiple factors such as personal, institutional, natural, and spiritual were suggested for the modest level of anxiety. Application of spirituality was recommended in anxiety-reduction therapy.