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.

Autor: Sirin H; Public Health Department, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey., Ahmadi AA; Public Health Department, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey., Ketrez G; Public Health Department, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey., Ozbeyaz C; Public Health Department, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey., Dikmen AU; Public Health Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey., Ozkan S; Public Health Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Jazyk: angličtina
Zdroj: International journal of geriatric psychiatry [Int J Geriatr Psychiatry] 2021 Nov; Vol. 36 (11), pp. 1785-1794. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jul 19.
DOI: 10.1002/gps.5600
Abstrakt: 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.
(© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
Databáze: MEDLINE
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