Assessment of anxiety in elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of compulsory home-stay in the central districts of Ankara, Turkey: A quantitative, qualitative mixed method study.
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry
; 36(11): 1785-1794, 2021 11.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34231924
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to determine the level of anxiety in elderly individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ankara province of Turkey and determine its associated factors.METHODS:
A quantitative, qualitative mixed-method study performed in 1-10 June 2020 during the compulsory home-stay for elderly people in Turkey. The quantitative study was conducted using a structured online questionnaire with 278 participants aged 65 or older. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) was used to assess the anxiety. An in-depth interview with 20 participants was used to fill the gap of face-to-face interview due to pandemic situation and strengthen the results of quantitative survey. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed separately.RESULTS:
Of all participants, 88 (31.7%) had a score above the cut-off point for GAI. The prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) was significantly higher in female (37.8%) than in male (23.8%). Female gender, economic loss, uncertainty, and the time participants expend to follow news about COVID-19 pandemic were risk factors of GAD. On the other hand, higher education level, hobbies, and regular physical activity were protective factors against GAD.CONCLUSION:
During the pandemic, social isolation and lockdown for elderly people make serious risk factor for their mental well-being. Measures must be taken to support the psychological well-being of elderly by promoting physical activity and hobbies at home, and reducing their economic concerns.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pandemics
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Qualitative_research
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry
Journal subject:
GERIATRIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Year:
2021
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Turkey