Perceived public stress among Jordanians during the COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks and containment measures implemented to control them can increase stress in affected populations. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on perceived stress levels in the Jordanian population is unknown. AIMS: To determine the perceived stress level and factors associated with it in the Jordanian population during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: Required data such as the perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and possible predictors of perceived stress were collected through a web-based survey. Statistical analysis was conducted through SPSS. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) of perceived stress score was 19.8 (6.7). Regression analysis reviled that stress was increased in females, young adults, usually being stressed more than others by a health problem, increased perceived severity of the disease, increased overall worry score, and student's worry regarding their studies/graduation. While perceived stress was decreased if participants' self-rated health status score increased. CONCLUSION: In the context of increasing public health preparedness the results of this study can be used in designing interventions to alleviate stress in susceptible segments of the Jordanian community.