Evaluation of COVID‐19 phobia and the feeling of loneliness in the geriatric age group

Abstract

Objective Social isolation and quarantine are unusual precautions taken all over the world against the COVID‐19 pandemic. Some legal sanctions were made in order to protect vulnerable age groups such as the geriatric population, to make them stay at home. These measures, which are vital for pandemic management, have negative psychological effects on elderly individuals. The aim of this study was to reveal how pandemic process affected individuals over 65 years old psychosocially. Materials and methods Socio‐demographic characteristics questionnaire, the COVID‐19 Phobia Scale (C19P‐S) and the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly individuals were used. Descriptive analysis, Mann‐Whitney U‐test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, Pearson correlation analysis were performed for data analysis. Results A total of 130 elderly people (80 women, 50 men) were included in the study. Of the participants, 61.5% were women, 67.7% were married and mean age was 71.53 ± 5.57 (min. 65‐max. 87) years old. The C19P‐S scores were significantly higher in women, singles, people living alone, those living in an apartment, and those with higher economic and educational level (P = .001). There was a strong positive correlation between age and total loneliness score. Loneliness scores were significantly higher in singles, those with higher levels of education and income, those who live alone, who was a relative of a healthcare worker, and whose relatives were infected with COVID‐19 (P < .05). Conclusion Our study revealed that elderly individuals, who have to comply with social isolation rules, have increased fear and loneliness due to coronavirus. Considering this situation, timely psychological treatment and social support measures should be taken.

Portuguese Version of COVID-19 Perceived Risk Scale and COVID-19 Phobia Scale: Psychometric Properties

“…Gender differences were found in the values of C19PRS and C19PS, with women scoring higher, which is in line with the results of Cihan and Durmaz [30], who found phobia scores significantly higher in women. Additionally, Rodriguez-Besteiro et al [48] found that females presented a higher perception of danger (assessed by the risk perception scale) related to the COVID-19 virus than males.…”

“…Toprak et al [29] found that individuals who stayed at home had higher coronaphobia than individuals who continued to work during the 3-month COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. According to Cihan and Durmaz [30], phobia scores were significantly higher in women, singles, people living alone, those living in an apartment, and those with higher economic and educational levels. Durmu and Durar [31] found a significant negative relationship between spiritual meaning and individuals' fear of coronavirus, and between peace and fear of coronavirus.…”

Association Between Early Parental Death and Loneliness in Adulthood: A Community-Based Study in Southwest China

“…As older adults are more satisfied with their friendships and life ( 34 , 35 ), this may explain why older adults are less likely to feel lonely. We also found an inverse association between education level and loneliness, which is consistent with a recent study conducted in Turkey ( 36 ), but contrary to the findings of several previous studies ( 5 , 31 ). Considering that older and less educated individuals are more likely to be satisfied with their lives ( 35 ), increased overall life satisfaction may also be associated with a reduction in their loneliness.…”

Efectos del aislamiento en adultos mayores durante la pandemia: una revisión de la literatura

“…También se halló una asociación entre el lugar de residencia como las zonas urbanas, y la presencia de ansiedad o pensamientos rumiantes como factores predictivos de insomnio, ya que provocan una excitación cognitiva, lo que puede alterar la homeostasis del cortisol, dando como resultado un sueño insuficiente [9] . Asimismo, se identificó que aquellos que presentaban mayor fobia hacia la COVID-19, eran precisamente mujeres, solteras, que vivían solas y tenían un nivel socioeconómico más alto [42] .…”