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Schwarzer FM, Probst-Hensch N, Kwiatkowski M, Höglinger M. Long-term development of loneliness in older people and associations with stringency of COVID-19 measures: an observational cohort study. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae069. [PMID: 38600849 PMCID: PMC11007266 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae069] [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: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most longitudinal studies found heightened feelings of loneliness in older people in spring 2020 compared to times before the pandemic. However, longer-term effects are more disputed. We, therefore, investigated changes in loneliness in older people throughout the first 21 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland and examined the association between the stringency of COVID-19 measures and feelings of loneliness. METHODS We assessed loneliness (3-item University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale) in a nationally representative longitudinal observational online survey. Older people (65-79 years) were surveyed between March 2020 and December 2021. Proportions of people feeling lonely (UCLA loneliness scale >6) were compared in two stringent phases ('lockdown', Oxford University stringency index ≥55) and two less restricted phases. Additionally, we explored the situation of potentially more susceptible subgroups (living alone, women, chronic and mental diseases, low educational level and low income). RESULTS Phases with stringent measures were associated with higher levels of loneliness in older people. People living alone, women, people with noncommunicable or mental disease diagnoses and lower income show consistently higher levels of loneliness. However, the differences are not accentuated in phases with more stringent measures. We found little differences between subgroups with varying educational levels. CONCLUSIONS Even in a country with relatively less stringent COVID-19 measures like Switzerland, an increase in the proportion of older people that feel lonely could be found during phases with more stringent COVID-19 measures. Lockdown phases should, therefore, be accompanied by evidence-based interventions to relieve loneliness to avoid adverse short- and long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flurina Meier Schwarzer
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur 8401, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil 4123, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel 4003, Switzerland
| | - Marc Höglinger
- Winterthur Institute of Health Economics, School of Management and Law, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur 8401, Switzerland
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2
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Pagen DME, van Bilsen CJA, Brinkhues S, Van Herck M, Konings K, den Heijer CDJ, ter Waarbeek HLG, Spruit MA, Hoebe CJPA, Dukers-Muijrers NHTM. Prevalence of Long-term Symptoms Varies When Using Different Post-COVID-19 Definitions in Positively and Negatively Tested Adults: The PRIME Post-COVID Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad471. [PMID: 37885796 PMCID: PMC10599319 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term symptoms after a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (ie, post-coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] condition or long COVID) constitute a substantial public health problem. Yet, the prevalence remains currently unclear as different case definitions are used, and negatively tested controls are lacking. We aimed to estimate post-COVID-19 condition prevalence using 6 definitions. Methods The Prevalence, Risk factors, and Impact Evaluation (PRIME) post-COVID-19 condition study is a population-based sample of COVID-19-tested adults. In 2021, 61 655 adults were invited to complete an online questionnaire, including 44 symptoms plus a severity score (0-10) per symptom. Prevalence was calculated in both positively and negatively tested adults, stratified by time since their COVID-19 test (3-5, 6-11, or ≥12 months ago). Results In positive individuals (n = 7405, 75.6%), the prevalence of long-term symptoms was between 26.9% and 64.1% using the 6 definitions, while in negative individuals (n = 2392, 24.4%), the prevalence varied between 11.4% and 32.5%. The prevalence of long-term symptoms potentially attributable to COVID-19 ranged from 17.9% to 26.3%. Conclusions There is a (substantial) variation in prevalence estimates when using different post-COVID-19 condition definitions, as is current practice; there is limited overlap between definitions, indicating that the essential post-COVID-19 condition criteria are still unclear. Including negatives is important to determine long-term symptoms attributable to COVID-19. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05128695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demi M E Pagen
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Céline J A van Bilsen
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Brinkhues
- Department of Knowledge & Innovation, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Van Herck
- Department of Research and Education, Ciro, Horn, the Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- REVAL—Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED—Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Kevin Konings
- Department of Process & Information Management, Communication & Automation, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Casper D J den Heijer
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte L G ter Waarbeek
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Spruit
- Department of Research and Education, Ciro, Horn, the Netherlands
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian J P A Hoebe
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole H T M Dukers-Muijrers
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, South Limburg Public Health Service, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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3
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Kettinen J, Venojärvi M, Murray A, Tikkanen H. The seasonal variation of physical activity and quality of life during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finnish older golfers: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1347. [PMID: 37342294 PMCID: PMC10277669 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with reduced physical activity and increased sedentary behavior. Golf is a health-enhancing outdoor exercise and is associated with low risk of viral transmission. The purpose of this study was to describe the seasonal differences in physical activity and quality of life during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in Finnish older golfers. Methods Older golfers (n = 325) from eight golf clubs retrospectively responded to a questionnaire in summer 2020 on their physical activity and golf activity in winter 2019/20 (pre-COVID-19 winter season) and summer season 2020. In addition, they reported their quality of life after the first wave of pandemic in summer 2020. To evaluate the seasonal differences in physical activity, life quality and its association with golf activity, the data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman's correlation test, and linear regression analysis. Results Despite COVID-19 restrictions, golfers' physical activity increased by 24% (p < 0.001) during the COVID-19 restrictions in the summer of 2020. Moderate physical activity increased by 37% (p < 0.001), walking activity increased by 26% (p < 0.001), and sitting decreased by 21% (p < 0.001) compared with the pre-COVID-19 winter season. The full 18-hole golf round activity was positively associated with moderate physical activity both in the summer and winter season, and with walking in the summer season. Over 90% of golfers reported good quality of life during the 2020 summer restrictions. Conclusion In contrast to physical activity levels generally decreasing during the first wave of pandemic, physical activity levels in Finnish golfers increased, and these golfers reported a good quality of life. Golf can provide health enhancing physical activity and older golfers seems to be physically active throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kettinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Mika Venojärvi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Andrew Murray
- Edinburgh Sports Medicine Research Network & UK Collaborating Centre on Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport (UKCCIIS)University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Medical and Scientific DepartmentThe R&ASt AndrewsUK
| | - Heikki Tikkanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Sports and Exercise Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
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Ghazi SN, Berner J, Anderberg P, Sanmartin Berglund J. The prevalence of eHealth literacy and its relationship with perceived health status and psychological distress during Covid-19: a cross-sectional study of older adults in Blekinge, Sweden. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:5. [PMID: 36597040 PMCID: PMC9810514 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03723-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS eHealth literacy is important as it influences health-promoting behaviors and health. The ability to use eHealth resources is essential to maintaining health, especially during COVID-19 when both physical and psychological health were affected. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of eHealth literacy and its association with psychological distress and perceived health status among older adults in Blekinge, Sweden. Furthermore, this study aimed to assess if perceived health status influences the association between eHealth literacy and psychological distress. METHODS This cross-sectional study (October 2021-December 2021) included 678 older adults' as participants of the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care, Blekinge (SNAC-B). These participants were sent questionnaires about their use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we conducted the statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance, Kendall's tau-b rank correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS We found that 68.4% of the participants had moderate to high levels of eHealth literacy in the population. Being female, age [Formula: see text] years, and having a higher education are associated with high eHealth literacy ([Formula: see text]). eHealth literacy is significantly correlated ([Formula: see text]=0.12, p-value=0.002) and associated with perceived health status ([Formula: see text]=0.39, p-value=0.008). It is also significantly correlated ([Formula: see text]=-0.12, p-value=0.001) and associated with psychological distress ([Formula: see text]=-0.14, p-value=0.002). The interaction of eHealth literacy and good perceived health status reduced psychological distress ([Formula: see text]=-0.30, p-value=0.002). CONCLUSIONS In our cross-sectional study, we found that the point prevalence of eHealth literacy among older adults living in Blekinge, Sweden is moderate to high, which is a positive finding. However, there are still differences among older adults based on factors such as being female, younger than 75 years, highly educated, in good health, and without psychological distress. The results indicated that psychological distress could be mitigated during the pandemic by increasing eHealth literacy and maintaining good health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nauman Ghazi
- grid.418400.90000 0001 2284 8991Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Jessica Berner
- grid.418400.90000 0001 2284 8991Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Peter Anderberg
- grid.418400.90000 0001 2284 8991Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden ,grid.412798.10000 0001 2254 0954School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Johan Sanmartin Berglund
- grid.418400.90000 0001 2284 8991Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden
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5
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Hoogendijk EO, Schuster NA, van Tilburg TG, Schaap LA, Suanet B, De Breij S, Kok AA, Van Schoor NM, Timmermans EJ, de Jongh RT, Visser M, Huisman M. Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam COVID-19 exposure index: a cross-sectional analysis of the impact of the pandemic on daily functioning of older adults. BMJ Open 2022. [PMID: 36323473 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop an index to measure older adults' exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and to study its association with various domains of functioning. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), a cohort study in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling older adults aged 62-102 years (n=1089) who participated in the LASA COVID-19 study (June-September 2020), just after the first wave of the pandemic. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES A 35-item COVID-19 exposure index with a score ranging between 0 and 1 was developed, including items that assess the extent to which the COVID-19 situation affected daily lives of older adults. Descriptive characteristics of the index were studied, stratified by several sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study associations between the exposure index and several indicators of functioning (functional limitations, anxiety, depression and loneliness). RESULTS The mean COVID-19 exposure index score was 0.20 (SD 0.10). Scores were relatively high among women and in the southern region of the Netherlands. In models adjusted for sociodemographic factors and prepandemic functioning (2018-2019), those with scores in the highest tertile of the exposure index were more likely to report functional limitations (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.48 to 3.38), anxiety symptoms (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.82 to 5.44), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.55 to 4.00) and loneliness (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.08 to 4.26) than those in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults in the Netherlands, higher exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with worse functioning in the physical, mental and social domain. The newly developed exposure index may be used to identify persons for whom targeted interventions are needed to maintain or improve functioning during the pandemic or postpandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel O Hoogendijk
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noah A Schuster
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo G van Tilburg
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura A Schaap
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Suanet
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha De Breij
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Almar Al Kok
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M Van Schoor
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J Timmermans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renate T de Jongh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Visser
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Huisman
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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Hoogendijk EO, Schuster NA, van Tilburg TG, Schaap LA, Suanet B, De Breij S, Kok AA, Van Schoor NM, Timmermans EJ, de Jongh RT, Visser M, Huisman M. Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam COVID-19 exposure index: a cross-sectional analysis of the impact of the pandemic on daily functioning of older adults. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061745. [PMID: 36323473 PMCID: PMC9638742 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop an index to measure older adults' exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and to study its association with various domains of functioning. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), a cohort study in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Community-dwelling older adults aged 62-102 years (n=1089) who participated in the LASA COVID-19 study (June-September 2020), just after the first wave of the pandemic. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES A 35-item COVID-19 exposure index with a score ranging between 0 and 1 was developed, including items that assess the extent to which the COVID-19 situation affected daily lives of older adults. Descriptive characteristics of the index were studied, stratified by several sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study associations between the exposure index and several indicators of functioning (functional limitations, anxiety, depression and loneliness). RESULTS The mean COVID-19 exposure index score was 0.20 (SD 0.10). Scores were relatively high among women and in the southern region of the Netherlands. In models adjusted for sociodemographic factors and prepandemic functioning (2018-2019), those with scores in the highest tertile of the exposure index were more likely to report functional limitations (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.48 to 3.38), anxiety symptoms (OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.82 to 5.44), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.55 to 4.00) and loneliness (OR: 2.97; 95% CI: 2.08 to 4.26) than those in the lowest tertile. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults in the Netherlands, higher exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with worse functioning in the physical, mental and social domain. The newly developed exposure index may be used to identify persons for whom targeted interventions are needed to maintain or improve functioning during the pandemic or postpandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiel O Hoogendijk
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noah A Schuster
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Theo G van Tilburg
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura A Schaap
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Suanet
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha De Breij
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Almar Al Kok
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja M Van Schoor
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik J Timmermans
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renate T de Jongh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein Visser
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Huisman
- Department of Epidemiology & Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Triolo F, Saadeh M, Sjöberg L, Fratiglioni L, Welmer AK, Calderón-Larrañaga A, Dekhtyar S. Pre-pandemic Physical Function and Social Network in Relation to COVID-19-Associated Depressive Burden in Older Adults in Sweden. Innov Aging 2022; 6:igac041. [PMID: 35837440 PMCID: PMC9273957 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the measures intended to limit its spread, have likely affected older adults’ depressive burden. Good physical functioning and a rich social network may benefit older adults’ mental health. We examined whether pre-pandemic physical functioning and social network were associated with depressive burden during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Stockholm, Sweden.
Research Design and Methods
A telephone assessment of depressive burden using the symptoms of sadness, anxiety, worrying, reduced sleep, and reduced appetite was conducted in May–September 2020 in 930 older adults from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), an ongoing population-based study. Objective measures of gait speed, muscle strength, and balance; and self-reports of social connections and support were collected in 2016–2019. Logistic models were adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, and pandemic-related factors (loneliness, change in physical and social engagement, and experience of death due to COVID-19).
Results
Only good muscle strength (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–0.85; ref: poor strength, ≥17 s) and rich social support (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45–0.99; ref: poor support) exhibited an independent association with depressive burden, even after accounting for pandemic-related factors. A combination of good muscle strength and rich social support were associated with the greatest reduction in depressive burden (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18–0.66; ref: poor social support and poor muscle strength).
Discussion and Implications
Prepandemic social support and muscle strength could supply older adults with resilience against the depressive burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Triolo
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
| | - Marguerita Saadeh
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
| | - Linnea Sjöberg
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
| | - Laura Fratiglioni
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Center , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Welmer
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
- Stockholm Gerontology Research Center , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Serhiy Dekhtyar
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University , Solna , Sweden
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8
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Ghazi SN, Anderberg P, Berglund JS, Berner J, Dallora AL. Psychological Health and Digital Social Participation of the Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Blekinge, Sweden-An Exploratory Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063711. [PMID: 35329398 PMCID: PMC8954168 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has affected the psychological health of older adults directly and indirectly through recommendations of social distancing and isolation. Using the internet or digital tools to participate in society, one might mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on psychological health. This study explores the social participation of older adults through internet use as a social platform during COVID-19 and its relationship with various psychological health aspects. In this study, we used the survey as a research method, and we collected data through telephonic interviews; and online and paper-based questionnaires. The results showed an association of digital social participation with age and feeling lack of company. Furthermore, in addition, to the increase in internet use in older adults in Sweden during COVID-19, we conclude that digital social participation is essential to maintain psychological health in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nauman Ghazi
- Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden; (P.A.); (J.S.B.); (J.B.); (A.L.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Peter Anderberg
- Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden; (P.A.); (J.S.B.); (J.B.); (A.L.D.)
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Johan Sanmartin Berglund
- Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden; (P.A.); (J.S.B.); (J.B.); (A.L.D.)
| | - Jessica Berner
- Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden; (P.A.); (J.S.B.); (J.B.); (A.L.D.)
| | - Ana Luiza Dallora
- Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, SE-371 79 Karlskrona, Sweden; (P.A.); (J.S.B.); (J.B.); (A.L.D.)
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