Perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among Nepalese older adults in eastern Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all age groups worldwide, but older adults have been affected greatly with an increased risk of severe illness and mortality. Nepal is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The normal life of older adults, one of the vulnerable populations to COVID-19 infection, has been primarily impacted. The current evidence shows that the COVID-19 virus strains are deadly, and non-compliance to standard protocols can have serious consequences, increasing fear among older adults. This study assessed the perceived fear of COVID-19 and associated factors among older adults in eastern Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 among 847 older adults (≥60 years) residing in three districts of eastern Nepal. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Multivariate logistic regression identified the factors associated with COVID-19 fear. Results The mean score of the FCV-19S was 18.1 (SD = 5.2), and a sizeable proportion of older adults, ranging between 12%-34%, agreed with the seven items of the fear scale. Increasing age, Dalit ethnicity, remoteness to the health facility, and being concerned or overwhelmed with the COVID-19 were associated with greater fear of COVID-19. In contrast, preexisting health conditions were inversely associated with fear. Conclusion Greater fear of the COVID-19 among the older adults in eastern Nepal suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of older adults should be prioritized. Establishing and integrating community-level mental health support as a part of the COVID-19 preparedness and response plan might help to combat COVID-19 fear among them.

Factors associated with fear of COVID‐19 among people living with HIV/AIDS in Suphanburi province, Thailand

“…Thus far, the clinical evidence reveals that both COVID‐19 mortality and fatality rates are related to older age (Han et al, 2021; Leung, 2020). This finding is in line with some recent studies indicating that older adults were more fearful of contracting COVID‐19 than young people (Gokseven et al, 2021; Mistry et al, 2021; Yadav et al, 2021).…”

Assessment of fear, anxiety, obsession and functional impairment of COVID-19 amongst health-care workers and trainees: A cross-sectional study in Nepal

“…20 Our findings concur with the study of Troisi et al, who reported a positive relationship between age and fear level among the health-care personnel of Italy, and the study of Yadav et al which also reported a greater level of COVID-19 fear among the Nepalese older adults. 21,22 Male gender in our study showed a more significant psychological impact. Male participants in our study were found to have significantly altered levels of all four psychological distress parameters assessed in this study compared to their female counterparts.…”

Fear of COVID-19 in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

“…Since COVID-19 and the highest mortality and complication rate were found in elderly subjects during the outbreak, it is not surprising that older CV patients are more likely to be psychologically affected, as reported in several general populations [23][24][25][26][27]. However, some studies reported lower levels of COVID-19 fear in older subjects than in young to middle-aged adults [21].…”