Table 2 Concerns of HCWs regarding the COVID-19 outbreak during the early phase of the epidemic, Northern Iran (N = 637)

Fear of contracting COVID-19 at workplace

 I would feel endangered if a colleague got infected with COVID-19

 I am at risk of getting infected with COVID-19

 I feel anxious at work

 I am unsafe at work

 I will eventually get infected with COVID-19

 Being absent will reduce my chances of getting infected with COVID-19

 I feel helpless about getting infected with COVID-19

 I feel I should avoid going to work to avoid getting infected with COVID-19

 I do not feel safe even when I use standard IPC measures

 I feel I should change my job because of the threat of getting infected with COVID-19

Perceived workplace risks and conditions

 My workplace would not support me if I get infected with COVID-19

 The COVID-19 outbreak has increased my workload

 The workload and staffing do not match

 There is insufficient PPE

 I have not received sufficient training in IPC

 I feel overwhelmed by new COVID-19 regulations

 I am not confident about the IPC measures

 There is no clear outbreak response plan

Fear of spreading COVID-19

 I should social distance more than non-HCWs

 I will likely transmit COVID-19 to family members

Stigma against self (internal) and others (external)

 I would feel ashamed disclosing to colleagues if I get infected with COVID-19

 Family will not look after me if I get infected with COVID-19

 I feel forced to care for COVID-19 patients

 I would feel embarrassed to tell my family if I get infected with COVID-19