The relationship between Covid-19 related anxiety and health anxiety: The mediating role of physical concern component

Introduction: Current models show the anxiety sensitivity physical concerns as a fundamental variable related to the psychological consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 related anxiety and health anxiety mediated by the physical concern component during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted online. For this purpose, 554 adults in Tehran were assessed anonymously by convenience sampling methods using an online questionnaire from 21 June to 5 July 2020. The instruments of this study included the Corona Anxiety Index (CAI), Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI-3). The collected data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation method and structural equations by SPSS software version 25 and LISREL software version 8.80. Results: The age range of participants was between 18 and 65 years, with a mean and standard deviation of 38.03±12.21. The results of the Pearson correlation showed that the components of physical concern and health anxiety have a positive and significant relationship with COVID-19 related anxiety (P<0.05). The results of structural equations showed that there is a significant direct path from health anxiety to COVID-19 related anxiety. Also, a significant indirect pathway from health anxiety to COVID-19 related anxiety mediates the physical concern component with a coefficient of 0.16%. Conclusion: In the Iranian sample, the physical concern component mediates the relationship between health anxiety and COVID-19 related anxiety. These findings can help in effective prevention and explain the psychological effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.