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Ramos-Vera C, García O'Diana A, Basauri-Delgado M, Calizaya-Milla YE, Saintila J. Network analysis of anxiety and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults in the United Kingdom. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7741. [PMID: 38565592 PMCID: PMC10987576 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The health crisis caused by COVID-19 in the United Kingdom and the confinement measures that were subsequently implemented had unprecedented effects on the mental health of older adults, leading to the emergence and exacerbation of different comorbid symptoms including depression and anxiety. This study examined and compared depression and anxiety symptom networks in two specific quarantine periods (June-July and November-December) in the older adult population in the United Kingdom. We used the database of the English Longitudinal Study of Aging COVID-19 Substudy, consisting of 5797 participants in the first stage (54% women) and 6512 participants in the second stage (56% women), all over 50 years of age. The symptoms with the highest centrality in both times were: "Nervousness (A1)" and "Inability to relax (A4)" in expected influence and predictability, and "depressed mood (D1"; bridging expected influence). The latter measure along with "Irritability (A6)" overlapped in both depression and anxiety clusters in both networks. In addition, a the cross-lagged panel network model was examined in which a more significant influence on the direction of the symptom "Nervousness (A1)" by the depressive symptoms of "Anhedonia (D6)", "Hopelessness (D7)", and "Sleep problems (D3)" was observed; the latter measure has the highest predictive capability of the network. The results report which symptoms had a higher degree of centrality and transdiagnostic overlap in the cross-sectional networks (invariants) and the cross-lagged panel network model of anxious and depressive symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jacksaint Saintila
- Escuela de Medicina Humana, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru.
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Li J, Wang Q, Zhou X. Health literacy, worry about unmet needs for medical care, and psychological well-being among older Chinese adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24 Suppl 1:202-207. [PMID: 38050461 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to examine the relationship between older adults' health literacy and their psychological well-being and the role of worry about future unmet needs for medical care in mediating this relationship. METHODS We adopted a sample of 965 older Chinese people aged 60+ (49.74% female) from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey. A series of structural equation models (SEMs) were performed. Health literacy was measured by three items regarding older people's ability to understand medical professionals, ask them questions, and read medical instructions. A single-item question was adopted to measure participants' worry about unmet needs for future medical care. Psychological well-being was measured by three items regarding emotional problems and depressed or anxious mood in the past 4 weeks. RESULTS Worry about future unmet needs for medical care mediates the relationship between lack of health literacy and Chinese older people's psychological well-being. The indirect effect accounts for 22.3% of the total effect. The SEM model has a satisfactory model fit (goodness of fit index = 1.000, comparative fit index = 0.999, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.009, standardized root mean square residual = 0.023, chi-square test = 50.96, P = 0.321). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study underscore the importance of improving communication quality between healthcare providers and older adults. Clinical interventions that promote health literacy and address worries about unmet needs for medical services may benefit older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 202-207.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Graduate Studies and Institute of Policy Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhou
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
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Werner P, AboJabel H. The Conceptual and Methodological Characteristics of Ageism During COVID-19: A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1526-1535. [PMID: 35932468 PMCID: PMC9384679 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Printed and social media, as well as professional and scholarly platforms, have extensively discussed the proliferation of ageism during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, no study has systematically examined the body of knowledge on the topic. Framed around the characteristics of ageism in general, the aim of this review was to identify and characterize the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of the global, peer-reviewed, and empirical literature on ageism during COVID-19. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a scoping review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, using PubMed, CINAHL, AgeLine, and PsycINFO. Quantitative and/or qualitative, English-language, and peer-reviewed articles were included. Data were tabulated and synthesized. RESULTS Thirty six articles examining ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic met inclusion criteria. Most were quantitative (64%) and cross-sectional (81%). The level, correlates, and consequences of ageism during the pandemic were similar to the ones reported before it. Studies about ageism during COVID-19 had similar conceptualization and measurement problems to those before the pandemic. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Empirical studies did not find ageism during COVID-19 to be a unique phenomenon, as suggested by the media. More theoretically sound and methodologically rigorous studies, using longitudinal designs and validated unique measures are needed to examine this unique phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Werner
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hanan AboJabel
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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Ma H, Ma Y, Chiu JSY, Christensen M. Psychological experience of home-quarantined older women with COVID-19 in Hong Kong: A qualitative study. Int J Older People Nurs 2023; 18:e12559. [PMID: 37408163 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The surge of positive COVID-19 cases taxed the local health care system and left many older adults initiating home self-care practices. The study aimed to explore the psychological experiences of home-quarantined older women diagnosed with COVID-19 in Hong Kong. METHODS Ten semi-structured telephone interviews were held among older women from March to April 2022. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Older women experienced psychological distress, anxiety and depression after being infected with COVID-19. The source of their psychological difficulties included fear of losing control over one's health and dignity, feeling a burden to one's family, conflict in balancing risks and responsibilities, and being overwhelmed by the tragic news reported in media. Meanwhile, the participants demonstrated resilience following the infection and found meaning in their experiences, and grew mentally. CONCLUSIONS The older women in this study have identified the negative impact having a diagnosis and being home-quarantine means to them and their family. Yet, they were also able to take some positives from this. Importantly, the older women report being able to build greater resilience, optimism and wisdom towards COVID-19 in general and feel better prepared for the potential of future positive diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Ma
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yajing Ma
- School of Public Policy and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jonie Sum Yu Chiu
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
| | - Martin Christensen
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Qualitative Research, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China
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Jones C, Galbraith N, Boyda D, Martin DBH, Jackson K. A latent profile analysis of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs: Associations with thinking styles, mistrust, socio-political control, need for closure and verbal intelligence. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 207:112155. [PMID: 36923243 PMCID: PMC9988712 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has been drawn to conspiracy theories. To date, research has largely examined commonalities in conspiracy theory belief, however it is important to identify where there may be notable differences. The aim of the present research was first to distinguish between typologies of COVID-19 conspiracy belief and explore demographic, social cognitive factors associated with these beliefs. Secondly, we aimed to examine the effects of such beliefs on adherence to government health guidelines. Participants (N = 319) rated well known COVID-19 conspiracy theories, completing measures of thinking style, socio-political control, mistrust, verbal intelligence, need for closure and demographic information. Participants also rated the extent to which they followed government health guidelines. Latent profile analysis suggests three profiles of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs with low, moderate, and high COVID conspiracy belief profiles and successively stronger endorsement on all but one of the COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Those holding stronger COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs are more likely to reason emotively, feel less socio-political control, mistrust others, have lower verbal ability and adhere less to COVID-19 guidelines. The social and health implications of these findings are discussed.
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González Ortega E, Pinedo González R, Vicario-Molina I, Palacios Picos A, Orgaz Baz MB. Loneliness and associated factors among older adults during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 86:101547. [PMID: 37153355 PMCID: PMC10126222 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2023.101547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Considering the health outcomes of loneliness, it is important to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic for older adults to facilitate detection and intervention. The aim of this study was to examine loneliness among Spanish older adults during the first wave lockdown and associated factors, in comparison to younger adults. An online survey was completed by 3508 adults (401 aged 60 or above). Older adults felt higher social loneliness than younger adults, but lower emotional loneliness. Living alone, poor mental health, and poor healthy habits were related to higher loneliness for both age groups. The results suggest that loneliness should be an important factor in primary care, and prevention efforts should be taken, e.g., by generating open and safe community spaces and contexts for social interaction and promoting the access and ability to use technologies that maintain social connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva González Ortega
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced S/N, Salamanca 37005, Spain
| | - Ruth Pinedo González
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Valladolid, Plaza de la Universidad 1, Segovia 40005, Spain
| | - Isabel Vicario-Molina
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced S/N, Salamanca 37005, Spain
| | - Andrés Palacios Picos
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Valladolid, Plaza de la Universidad 1, Segovia 40005, Spain
| | - Mª Begoña Orgaz Baz
- Departamento de Psicología Básica, Psicobiología y Metodología de las Ciencias del Comportamiento, Universidad de Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced S/N, Salamanca 37005, Spain
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Beach B, Steptoe A, Zaninotto P. Depression and anxiety in people with cognitive impairment and dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004162. [PMID: 37093859 PMCID: PMC10124844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have identified declines in mental health during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in different age groups, including older people. As anxiety and depression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms among people with cognitive impairment, the mental health experiences of older people during the pandemic should take cognitive function into consideration, along with assessments made prior to the pandemic. This study addresses evidence gaps to test whether changes in depression and anxiety among older people through the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with cognitive impairment. It also investigates whether associations varied according to key sources of sociodemographic inequality. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) collected from 2018/2019 to November/December 2020, we estimated changes in depression and anxiety for people aged 50+ in England across 3 cognitive function groups: no impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. Conditional growth curve models were estimated for continuous measures over 3 time points (N = 5,286), with mixed-effects logistic regression used for binary measures. All models adjusted for demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, and cohabiting partnership), socioeconomics (education, wealth, and employment status), geography (urban/rural and English region), and health (self-rated and the presence of multimorbidity). We found that depression (measured with CES-D score) worsened from 2018/2019 to November/December 2020 for people with mild cognitive impairment (1.39 (95% CI: 1.29 to 1.49) to 2.16 (2.02 to 2.30)) or no impairment (1.17 (95%CI: 1.12 to 1.22) to 2.03 (1.96 to 2.10)). Anxiety, using a single-item rating of 0 to 10 also worsened among those with mild cognitive impairment (2.48 (2.30 to 2.66) to 3.14 (2.95 to 3.33)) or no impairment (2.20 (2.11 to 2.28) to 2.85 (2.77 to 2.95)). No statistically significant increases were found for those with dementia. Using a clinical cutoff for likely depression (CES-D ≥4), we found statistically significant increases in the probability of depression between 2018/2019 and November/December 2020 for those with no impairment (0.110 (0.099 to 0.120) to 0.206 (0.191 to 0.222)) and mild impairment (0.139 (0.120 to 0.159) to 0.234 (0.204 to 0.263)). We also found that differences according to cognitive function that existed before the pandemic were no longer present by June/July 2020, and there were no statistically significant differences in depression or anxiety among cognitive groups in November/December 2020. Wealth and education appeared to be stronger drivers for depression and anxiety, respectively, than cognitive impairment. For example, those with no impairment in the richest two-thirds scored 1.76 (1.69 to 1.82) for depression in June/July, compared to 2.01 (1.91 to 2.12) for those with no impairment in the poorest third and 2.03 (1.87 to 2.19) for those with impairment in the poorest third. Results may be limited by the small number of people with dementia and are generalizable only to people living in the community, not to those in institutional care settings. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a convergence in mental health across cognitive function groups during the pandemic. This suggests mental health services will need to meet an increased demand from older adults, especially those not living with cognitive impairment. Further, with little significant change among those with dementia, their existing need for support will remain; policymakers and care practitioners should ensure this group continues to have equitable access to mental health support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Beach
- Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Research Department of Behavioural Science & Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Zaninotto
- Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Henning-Smith C, Meltzer G, Kobayashi LC, Finlay JM. Rural/urban differences in mental health and social well-being among older US adults in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:505-511. [PMID: 35369828 PMCID: PMC11071151 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2060184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study seeks to identify differences in mental health and social well-being during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults by rural/urban location. METHODS We use data from the COVID-19 Coping Study, a nation-wide online study of U.S. adults aged 55 and older (n = 6,873) fielded during April-May, 2020. We investigated rural/urban differences in mental health (depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms) and social well-being (loneliness and social isolation); concern about COVID-19; and types of social participation (e.g. phone/video calls, visits). We also used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship of rurality with mental health, adjusting for socio-demographic correlates, COVID-19 history, and COVID-19 concern. RESULTS We found similar prevalence of mental health and social well-being outcomes for rural and urban respondents. Rural respondents reported lower concern about COVID-19 and more frequent use of social media than urban respondents. CONCLUSION Mental health and social well-being did not differ by rural/urban location in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, rural residents reported less concern about COVID-19 and more use of social media, potentially leading to greater risk of illness from the pandemic in later months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Henning-Smith
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Gabriella Meltzer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY
| | - Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jessica M. Finlay
- Social Environment and Health Program, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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Maxfield M, Pituch KA. Profiles in Dementia-Related Anxiety: A Latent Profile Analysis. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2022; 77:2182-2191. [PMID: 35678193 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dementia-related anxiety (DRA) is the concern about current or future cognitive decline and potential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD). Existing research suggests that DRA likely develops due to diverse reasons (e.g., family ADRD history, self-perceived risk, and health-related anxiety), and approaches to managing DRA likely differ as well (e.g., future planning). This study aimed to identify profiles in DRA. METHOD In a cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of U.S. adults ranging in age from 18 to 82 (N = 492, Mage = 49.25, standard deviation [SDage] = 15.43) completed online assessments of characteristics associated with DRA. Latent profile analysis was used to uncover distinct DRA profiles and promote understanding of individual characteristics associated with varying levels of DRA; multinomial regression assessed if the profiles are further distinguished by covariates. RESULTS The resulting four-profile model reveals profile differences are largely due to DRA, self-perceived ADRD risk, and preparedness for future care needs; health-related anxiety, age, ADRD exposure, and anticipated ADRD stigma contribute to profile differences as well. Profiles of the youngest and oldest groups reported the lowest and highest levels of preparedness for future care, along with the lowest DRA and self-perceived risk. Several covariates, particularly those assessing general psychological functioning, were also related to profile membership. DISCUSSION The resulting profiles point to several factors associated with elevated anxiety about ADRD, which do not fully match the risk factors for ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Maxfield
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.,Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Keenan A Pituch
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
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Werner P, Kim S. How Are Sociodemographic, Health, Psychological, and Cognitive Factors Associated with Dementia Worry? An Online Survey Study among Israeli and Australian Laypeople. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11313. [PMID: 36141584 PMCID: PMC9516982 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia worry is a widespread phenomenon and the most common emotional reaction elicited by the threat of developing dementia in the future. The cultural factors of dementia worry have not been examined widely, although dementia can be perceived differently between cultures and lead to varying levels of dementia worry. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of dementia worry and factors associated with it cross-nationally in Israel and Australia. METHODS A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted with two age-matched adult samples (447 participants in Israel and 290 in Australia). The primary outcome measure was the 12-item Dementia Worry Scale. RESULTS Israeli participants (mean age = 42.5 years; 50.1% female) reported statistically significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of concern about developing dementia in comparison to Australian participants (mean age = 43.7 years; 49.8% female). Increased ageism and increased perceptions about the likelihood of developing dementia were the most important factors associated with increased worry. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that country may not be the best criterion to assess cultural differences and should be accompanied by the participants' assessment of their cultural tendencies. Our study also stresses the importance of conceptualizing and assessing affective and cognitive aspects of dementia worry, as people from different cultures might perceive dementia worry cognitively differently but affectively similar and vice-versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Werner
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Sarang Kim
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Kensington 2052, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick 2031, Australia
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Interoceptive anxiety-related processes: Importance for understanding COVID-19 and future pandemic mental health and addictive behaviors and their comorbidity. Behav Res Ther 2022; 156:104141. [PMID: 35752013 PMCID: PMC9212258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased prevalence of mental health problems and addictive behaviors. There is a growing theoretical and empirical evidence that individual differences in interoceptive anxiety-related processes are a one set of vulnerability factors that are important in understanding the impact of pandemic-related mental health problems and addictive behavior. However, there has not been a comprehensive effort to explore this rapidly growing body of research and its implications for public health. In this paper, we discuss why interoceptive anxiety-related processes are relevant to understanding mental health and addictive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then provide a narrative review of the available COVID-19 literature linking interoceptive fear and anxiety-related processes (e.g., anxiety sensitivity, health anxiety, and COVID-19 anxiety, fear, and worry) to mental health and addictive behaviors. We then propose a novel transdiagnostic theoretical model that highlights the role of interoceptive anxiety-related processes in mental health and addictive behavior in the context of the present and future pandemics. In the final section, we utilize this conceptualization to underscore clinical implications and provide guidance for future research initiatives in the management of COVID-19 mental health and addictive behaviors and inform the public health field for future pandemics.
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Mental Health Risk Factors and Coping Strategies among Students in Asia Pacific during COVID-19 Pandemic—A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158894. [PMID: 35897264 PMCID: PMC9329973 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 has forced higher education institutes to go into lockdown in order to curb the situation. This sudden change caused students within the institutions to forgo traditional face to face classroom settings and to attend immediate online classes. This review aims to summarize the evidence of the social demographic mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students in higher education institutes within the Asia Pacific region and identify the coping mechanisms adopted during these times. A systematic literature search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus), out of which 64 studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The findings revealed that the social demographic groups most at risk were female students, those who were in the final years of their studies (i.e., students who were almost graduating), and postgraduate students as well as students studying medical fields (nursing, dental, medicine, health sciences etc.). The majority of the studies identified that students were relying on mobile devices and extended screen time to cope with the pandemic. Having proper social support, be it through a network of friends or positive family cohesion, can be a good buffer against the mental impacts of COVID-19. Students in higher education institutes are at risk of mental consequences due to COVID-19. By reducing their screen time, finding a healthier coping system, increasing the availability of support within the family and community, as well as actively engaging in beneficial activities students may be able to alleviate general negative emotions, specifically during the pandemic.
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Yong X, Zhang L. COVID-19 Worry and Mental Health Among the Economically Active Population in Guangdong, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:882177. [PMID: 35586016 PMCID: PMC9108278 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.882177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused people to worry, which has affected their mental health. This study aimed to access the impact of COVID-19 worry on the mental health of the economically active population (EAP) in a province of China. Methods An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted during an outbreak of COVID-19 in Guangdong, China. The survey used the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to evaluate participants' mental health status and was completed by 1,584 of the 1,708 participants (a response rate of 92.74%). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to identify the correlation between COVID-19 worry and mental health. Results Approximately 42.05% of participants reported that they were very worried or extremely worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 worry was negatively correlated with mental health (p < 0.01) and exhibited a stronger influence on the mental health of participants who were male, younger (aged 16–45), or unemployed than on the mental health of participants who were women, older (aged over 45), or employed. Conclusion The findings suggest that COVID-19 worry has generated new inequalities in mental health among the EAP of China. The government should provide more public reassurance and psychological support to the EAP to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 worry and prevent mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yong
- School of Public Administration, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zhang
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES This article examines the influence of social networks on selected aspects of mental health following the outbreak of the coronavirus. METHOD We linked data from a post outbreak telephone survey in 2020 by the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, with baseline data from SHARE Wave 6 (2016) (n = 33,485). Two mental health measures (depression and anxiety) were regressed on social network variables relevant to the Covid-19 crisis (frequency of face-to-face contact and frequency of contact through electronic means), controlling for confounders. Interactions of age group and social networks were considered. Baseline mental health was controlled, focusing the analysis on post-outbreak mental health change. RESULTS Face-to-face network contact significantly reduced negative mental health changes while electronic contact significantly increased them. The age interactions were insignificant. Country differences were observed. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that face-to-face social networks can moderate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on important aspects of mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Litwin
- Israel Gerontological Data Center, Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Levinsky
- Israel Gerontological Data Center, Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Daniali SS, Rahimi M, Salarvand S. Age discrimination in delivery of health services to old people during COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review study. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS 2022. [DOI: 10.36150/2499-6564-n415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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16
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Jackson SE, Beard E, Angus C, Field M, Brown J. Moderators of changes in smoking, drinking and quitting behaviour associated with the first COVID-19 lockdown in England. Addiction 2022; 117:772-783. [PMID: 34431577 PMCID: PMC8652848 DOI: 10.1111/add.15656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM To estimate changes in smoking, drinking and quitting behaviour from before to during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England, and whether changes differed by age, sex or social grade. DESIGN Representative cross-sectional surveys of adults, collected monthly between August 2018 and July 2020. SETTING England. PARTICIPANTS A total of 36 980 adults (≥ 18 years). MEASUREMENTS Independent variables were survey month (pre-lockdown: August-February versus lockdown months: April-July) and year (pandemic: 2019/20 versus comparator: 2018/19). Smoking outcomes were smoking prevalence, cessation, quit attempts, quit success and use of evidence-based or remote cessation support. Drinking outcomes were high-risk drinking prevalence, alcohol reduction attempts and use of evidence-based or remote support. Moderators were age, sex and occupational social grade (ABC1 = more advantaged/C2DE = less advantaged). FINDINGS Relative to changes during the same time period in 2018/19, lockdown was associated with significant increases in smoking prevalence [+24.7% in 2019/20 versus 0.0% in 2018/19, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-1.63] and quit attempts (+39.9 versus -22.2%, aOR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.76-3.50) among 18-34-year-olds, but not older groups. Increases in cessation (+156.4 versus -12.5%, aOR = 3.08, 95% CI = 1.86-5.09) and the success rate of quit attempts (+99.2 versus +0.8%, aOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.31-3.98) were also observed, and did not differ significantly by age, sex or social grade. Lockdown was associated with a significant increase in high-risk drinking prevalence among all socio-demographic groups (+39.5 versus -7.8%, aOR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.64-1.98), with particularly high increases among women (aOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.87-2.53) and social grades C2DE (aOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 2.00-2.74). Alcohol reduction attempts increased significantly among high-risk drinkers from social grades ABC1 (aOR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.78-3.00) but not C2DE (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.83-1.88). There were few significant changes in use of support for smoking cessation or alcohol reduction, although samples were small. CONCLUSIONS In England, the first COVID-19 lockdown was associated with increased smoking prevalence among younger adults and increased high-risk drinking prevalence among all adults. Smoking cessation activity also increased: more younger smokers made quit attempts during lockdown and more smokers quit successfully. Socio-economic disparities in drinking behaviour were evident: high-risk drinking increased by more among women and those from less advantaged social grades (C2DE), but the rate of reduction attempts increased only among the more advantaged social grades (ABC1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- SPECTRUM ConsortiumUK
| | - Emma Beard
- Department of Behavioural Science and HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- SPECTRUM ConsortiumUK
| | - Colin Angus
- SPECTRUM ConsortiumUK
- School of Health and Related ResearchUniversity of SheffieldUK
| | - Matt Field
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of SheffieldUK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- SPECTRUM ConsortiumUK
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17
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Meltzer GY, Chang VW, Lieff SA, Grivel MM, Yang LH, Des Jarlais DC. Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Worry: Stigma, Knowledge, and News Source. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11436. [PMID: 34769952 PMCID: PMC8583421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Non-adherence to COVID-19 guidelines may be attributable to low levels of worry. This study assessed whether endorsing COVID-19-stigmatizing restrictions, COVID-19 knowledge, and preferred news source were associated with being 'very worried' versus 'not at all' or 'somewhat' worried about contracting COVID-19. Survey data were collected in July-August 2020 from N = 547 New York State (NYS) and N = 504 national Amazon MTurk workers. Respondents who endorsed COVID-19 stigmatizing restrictions (NYS OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.31, 2.92; national OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.06, 3.08) and consumed commercial news (NYS OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.21, 2.96; national OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.24, 3.00) were more likely to be very worried. National respondents who consumed The New York Times (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.00, 2.29) were more likely to be very worried, while those with little knowledge (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.13, 0.43) were less likely to be very worried. NYS (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.77, 4.00) and national (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.95, 5.16) respondents with probable depression were also more likely to be very worried. These characteristics can help identify those requiring intervention to maximize perceived threat to COVID-19 and encourage uptake of protective behaviors while protecting psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Y. Meltzer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
| | - Virginia W. Chang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
- Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Sarah A. Lieff
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
| | - Margaux M. Grivel
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
| | - Lawrence H. Yang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Don C. Des Jarlais
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
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18
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Exploring the Interpretation of COVID-19 Messaging on Older Adults’ Experiences of Vulnerability. Can J Aging 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s071498082100043x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractPublic health messages and societal discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic have consistently indicated a higher morbidity and mortality risk for older people, particularly those with multiple health conditions. Older adults’ interpretations of pandemic messaging can shape their perceived vulnerability and behaviours. This study examined their perspectives on COVID-19 messaging. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults residing in Manitoba (Canada) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews between July and August 2020, a period of low COVID-19 cases within the province. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes that described participants’ processes of information interpretation when consuming pandemic-related messages, their emotional responses to messaging and consequent vulnerability, and the impacts of messaging on their everyday lives. Understanding how older adults have construed COVID-19 and pandemic-related messages, and the subsequent impact on their daily behaviours, is the first step towards shaping societal discourse and sets the stage for examining the pandemic’s long-term effects.
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19
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Corrales-Reyes IE, Hernández-García F, Pérez AP, Quintana PG, Pérez García ER, Lazo Herrera LA, White M. COVID-19 contagion concern scale (PRE-COVID-19): Validation in Cuban patients with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2021; 15:102245. [PMID: 34416467 PMCID: PMC8363424 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS It is important to have valid and reliable measures to determine the psychological impact of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes; however, few instruments have been developed and validated for this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the Scale of Worry for Contagion of COVID-19 (PRE-COVID-19) in a sample of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 219 patients (66.2% female, mean age 58.5 SD = 18.2) participated, selected through non-probabilistic sampling. The PRE-COVID-19 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 were applied. Reliability analysis was performed for internal consistency, structural equation modeling and item response theory modeling. RESULTS The results show that a unidimensional 5-item model presents satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices and excellent reliability values. Likewise, convergent validity between the PRE-COVID-19 and a measure of anxiety is evident. All items present adequate discrimination parameters, allowing for discerning between those patients with critical concern about COVID-19 contagion from those with severe concern. CONCLUSION It is concluded that the PRE-COVID-19 is an instrument with adequate psychometric properties to measure concern about COVID-19 infection and the emotional impact in patients with DM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
| | - Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Bayamo, Granma, Cuba
| | - Frank Hernández-García
- Centro Provincial de Atención y Educación al Paciente Diabético, Hospital Provincial General Docente "Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. José Asse Yara", Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
| | - Antonio Pupo Pérez
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "General Calixto García", Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba
| | | | - Enrique Rolando Pérez García
- Policlínico Universitario Área Norte, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. José Assef Yara", Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba
| | - Luis Alberto Lazo Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara de la Serna" Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río Pinar del Río Cuba
| | - Michael White
- Dirección General de Investigación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Perú
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20
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Chao SF, Yu MH. COVID-19-related worries, social disruptions, and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults with disabilities: What makes the difference? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021:gbab157. [PMID: 34448479 PMCID: PMC8499744 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study explores how home- and community-based services use, COVID-19-related worries and social disruptions are related to the depressive symptoms of community-dwelling older adults with disabilities, and whether the associations differ by month of interview. METHODS Data on a sample of 593 older individuals in Taiwan were collected between April and July 2020. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the hypothesized relationships. RESULTS As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Taiwan continuously declined from April 2020, participants who were interviewed in May, June and July experienced significantly fewer COVID-19-related worries and social disruptions than those interviewed in April. The month interviewed, representing the pandemic development phase of COVID-19, moderated the relationships between home-based service (HBS) use and COVID-19 worries. Month interviewed also moderated the association between COVID-19-related social disruptions and depressive symptoms. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Differences in the level of COVID-19-related worries between HBS users and non-users were greatest in April, followed by May, and least in June and July, suggesting that the disparities between HBS users and non-users attenuated over time. Perceived high COVID-19-related social disruptions was weakly and negatively correlated with depressive symptoms in April, but the relationship became moderately positive in May, and strongly positive in June and July. These results supported the claim that the associations between COVID-19-related social disruptions and depressive symptoms can vary over time. Professionals who serve disabled older individuals in communities should be aware of their unstated needs and adopt strategies that are appropriate for the current stage of the COVID-19 pandemic to respond better to their needs and emotional state.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meng-Hsuan Yu
- Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University
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21
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DEMİR B, MANDIRACIOĞLU A. COVID-19 pandemisi sürecinde yaşlıya yönelik ayrımcı uygulamalar ve yaşlı bireyler cephesinde durum değerlendirilmesi. EGE TIP DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.19161/etd.950574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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22
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Parlapani E, Holeva V, Nikopoulou VA, Kaprinis S, Nouskas I, Diakogiannis I. A review on the COVID-19-related psychological impact on older adults: vulnerable or not? Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:1729-1743. [PMID: 33999378 PMCID: PMC8127443 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-021-01873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a novel event of the twenty-first century. Therefore, contemporary research is required to determine the current pandemic's psychological impact on older populations. Soon after the COVID-19 outbreak, several narrative reviews and guidelines were released to support older adult's psychological wellbeing. However, a lack of data from original studies was reported until May 2020. AIM To identify studies published from May 2020 until January 2021 that quantitatively assessed the mental health impact of COVID-19 on older adults using validated psychometric tools. METHOD A comprehensive literature search of original research articles was conducted using specific terms. The screening procedure was conducted stepwise. RESULTS Among the 18 included studies, cross-sectional online surveys indicated that older adults were less psychologically distressed than younger ones. A longitudinal study revealed that COVID-19 did not have a major impact on loneliness and satisfaction with life. On the contrary, studies comparing pre- with peri-pandemic data revealed that older adults experienced more severe depressive/anxiety/stress symptoms and loneliness during the pandemic. Several studies reported though only subclinical symptoms, as well as low loneliness levels during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Research studies suggested that older age may buffer against the COVID-19-related impact on mental health. Despite evidence against generalised perceptions of vulnerability, older adults' ability to adapt to adversity may be uneven, depending on cultural, social, economic and other individual factors. Taken together, the impact, moreover the long-term impact of COVID-19, is expected to vary across countries and older subpopulations, and remains to be evaluated by prospective, longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Parlapani
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Papageorgiou", Ring Road Thessaloniki, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Vasiliki Holeva
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Papageorgiou", Ring Road Thessaloniki, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Aliki Nikopoulou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Papageorgiou", Ring Road Thessaloniki, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios Kaprinis
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Diakogiannis
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital "Papageorgiou", Ring Road Thessaloniki, N. Efkarpia, 54603, Thessaloniki, Greece
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23
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Ayalon L, Cohn-Schwartz E. Measures of self- and other-directed ageism and worries concerning COVID-19 health consequences: Results from a nationally representative sample of Israelis over the age of 50. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251577. [PMID: 34010355 PMCID: PMC8133423 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Worries associated with COVID-19 health consequences are well-justified. They may motivate people to take safety precautions, but may hinder if they become too intense. Current research has examined mainly age and gender as potential correlates associated with worries. This study instead, is focused on self-perceptions of aging (SPA) and perceived age discrimination as potential predictors of worry, in the light of the ageism pandemic which has co-occurred with the COVID-19 outbreak. The study is based on a national sample of 1,092 adults aged 50 and above in Israel. Phone interviews were conducted between March 29 2020 and May 3 2020, when Israel gradually moved from strict to partial lockdown. Respondents were queried about their worries related to COVID-19 health consequences, demographic characteristics, known-risk factors, SPA and perceived age-based discrimination in the healthcare system. Our findings show that in addition, to sex, financial status and chronic illness, SPA and age-based discrimination in the healthcare were significant predictors of worries and explained additional 8% of the variance. The findings point to the potentially negative impact of the ageism pandemic in an area that has not received much attention, thus far, namely people’s worries. Interventions that address ageism directed by self or others might alleviate worries in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ayalon
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Ella Cohn-Schwartz
- Gerontology Program, School of Public Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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