THE IMPACT OF THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER PEO-PLE
Evangelia Tsianta,, John Koutelekos, Stavroula Paraskevopoulou
Friday, July 1, 2022
Publication year:
2022
Authors:
- Tsianta, Evangelia , RN, MSc, Hellenic Open University, Patra, Greece
- Koutelekos John, PhD, Assisstant Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens
- Paraskevopoulou Stavroula, Consultant Professor at Hellenic Open University, Patra, Greece
Keywords index:
Pages: 327-340
Abstract:
Introduction: The current pandemic of the new coronavirus disease has caused great distress and fear among the elderly population worldwide, who are the most vulnerable population and at greatest risk, both physically and psychologically. The aim of the study is to determine the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on the mental health and quality of life of older people in the community and the understanding of their perceptions and attitudes towards the current situation. Material and method: In this research, the intentional sampling strategy was applied and an exploratory qualitative design was used with semi-structured in-depth interviews of 16 people over the age of 65 living in the community and in relatively good health. Thematic analysis was selected and applied for the qualitative analysis of the data. Results: After processing the data obtained from the conduct of this qualitative research, three main issues emerged that include: a) the impact of coronavirus and pandemic on the mental health of the elderly, b) changes in daily life and quality of life due to the pandemic and c) expectations for the vaccine and the future. Conclusions: The effects of the pandemic on the mental health and quality of life of older people appear to have short-term negative effects and changes in their daily lives. Long-term negative trends in their mental health remain to be further studied.
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