In December 2019, COVID-19 broke out in Wuhan, China, affecting the mental health of its inhabitants. This study aimed at investigating the factors associated with anxiety in the Wuhan populace during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire survey was carried out during March 6–10, 2020. The questionnaire collected information on demography, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The main statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Schefft post hoc test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, stepwise regression. In total, 226 participants were recruited (mean age 32.62 ±13.64). Results indicated that 1.8% of the respondents were experiencing severe anxiety, 8.0% moderate anxiety, and 41.2% mild anxiety. The findings also showed that females, elderly, middle-income, poor health status, shortage of medical supplies, and insufficient basic commodities were associated with anxiety significantly. Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated that a significantly negative correlation was noted between the total score of SSRS, subjective support subscale and GAD-7 (r = -0.14–0.15, p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that gender, BMI (Body mass index), monthly income, health status, and adequate basic commodities, SSRS were factors of significantly related to anxiety. Social support on alleviating anxiety, while subjective social support exerts a more direct effect on anxiety relief.

Health literacy and public health promotion

Mental health literacy