The effect of anxiety levels of elderly people in quarantine on depression during covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

This study aims to determine the effect on depression of elderly people’s anxiety levels in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a descriptive study, in which data were collected using the online survey method, an introductory information form, a semistructured data form for COVID-19, the Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were collected during the period when a curfew was imposed for the elderly. Data were analyzed using a structural equation model. According to the structural equation model, anxiety was determined as a predictor of depression. The anxiety levels of the elderly who were 65–74 years old, female, single; had insufficient knowledge about the pandemic; and had not encountered a similar outbreak before considered that family relationships were affected negatively so they became lonely and reported that they became bored, exhausted, and distressed during the pandemic, which increased their depression levels. Anxiety affects depression in the elderly. Therefore, it is recommended to provide them with appropriate psychological support interventions and understandable information about the pandemic so that their anxiety and depression levels can be reduced during the pandemic.

KEYWORDS:

• COVID-19
• quarantine
• elderly
• anxiety
• depression
• structural equation model

Disclosure statement

None of the authors reports any actual or potential conflicts of interest.