Biopsychosocial well-being of nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 3-year longitudinal study.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic was not only a biological challenge, but it also took a toll on the psychological and social well-being of older adults, especially those in nursing homes. This study aims to uncover the impact of the pandemic on the biopsychosocial well-being of nursing home residents, including the role of COVID-19 positivity and social contacts. Using a sample of 247 individuals in two Northern Italian nursing homes over 3 years (2018)(2019)(2020)(2021), the study analyzed a broad range of biopsychosocial variables and traced the frequency of social contacts during the lockdown. The results showed a concerning trend of worsening well-being over time during the pandemic, irrespective of COVID-19 positivity. Surprisingly, the frequency of contacts with family caregivers did not seem to have a protective role, and worsening conditions were associated with an increase in subsequent social contacts. These findings shed light on the dynamics of the biopsychosocial well-being of institutionalized individuals, and they have significant public health implications. By disentangling the roles of the pandemic period, COVID-19 positivity, and social contacts, this study provides insights into the worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms, as well as functional and clinical indicators, in nursing home residents. Public Significance StatementThis study examines how COVID-19 impacted nursing home residents' well-being. We looked at 11 factors that tracked residents' physical, mental, and social health during their stay. During the pandemic, a generalized trend of worsening well-being was observed. However, testing positive for COVID-19 itself was not a major factor in their well-being. Instead, the study suggests that prolonged social isolation measures may have had a more significant negative impact on residents' health over time.