Table 2.

Interpersonal mediators of healthcare workers’ anxiety

Theme	Exemplary quotes
Colleagues	”Many colleagues are rushing to the front, so I have no reason to back down.” —36
	”None in my family was infected, because a teacher in our department is very cautious. Before the New Year, when the epidemic was not exposed to the public, she already told me some precautions, such as keeping social distance and dining with public chopsticks.” —48
	”When I was diagnosed as COVID-19 and hospitalized, there were still very few beds. The chief nurse reported my situation to the public health department and arranged a bed for me. Doctors and nurses were very kind, maybe because we worked together.” —44
Family	”Daily video with my family. I told them I am much better now and what medicine I used today. When I was dining outside the ward, I took down my mask and showed them that I was okay. In the later period, when I was about to be discharged from the hospital, they were completely relieved.” —6
	”My deepest thought (when I was infected and hospitalized)? I have my wife and my family. I must live a very healthy life. I still look forward to living in this world.” —7
Friends	“I once collapsed. There were only three or five COVID-19 confirmed patients every day before. However, the number increased by tens of thousands those days, and I couldn’t bear it. But I couldn’t tell my mother because she would be more worried and sleepless. So I talked with my friends, which made me feel better.” —3
	”When I was upset, I talked to my good friend and complained about something.” —37
Patients	“The lady who lived beside my bed was kind to me. She was always comforting me. She said: ‘Although I had a basic illness like diabetes, I am much better now. The effusion of my lungs is almost absorbed.’ Her words made me feel much better. I was so lucky that she was always encouraging me and chatting with me.” —41
Society	“I was isolated at home for two months. The government sent us supplies and relief.” —29
	”The hospital helped us solve life problems as much as possible and gave us masks when we came to work every day. But few financial support.” —32