The Impact of COVID-19 Safety Recommendations on Adults Age 60 and Older: A Qualitative Study

Abstract In March 2020, the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) began recommending social distancing and sheltering in place, in particular for older adults. This resulted in many older adults staying at home for long periods of time in relative isolation. Because there is little prior evidence of the emotional impact that this has on older adults, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study on how older adults felt during the first three to five weeks of the CDC recommendations. We fielded a web-based cross-sectional survey. Our analytic sample consisted of 673 respondents aged 60 and older who respondent to the prompt: “How are you feeling during this time of social distancing?”. We used a thematic bottom-up qualitative analysis, via MAXQDA, to analyze segments into general affect codes and detailed emotion subcodes, as well as coping mechanisms. Results showed that while many older adults reported neutral (9%) or positive (9%) affect, a larger proportion reported negative affect (42%) or reported mixed affect (35%). The most common negative emotions mentioned were anxiety and loneliness/boredom, while the most common positive emotions mentioned were optimism and feeling grateful. The most common coping mechanisms reported by participants included making life adjustments, keeping busy, prayer/spirituality, and mediation/mindfulness. This study provides an initial understanding into how older adults experienced and coped with the first stages of restricting social interactions. If social distancing continues to be a recommended disease-containment strategy, information about how older adults are coping can be critical for public health interventions. Implications will be discussed.

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Declining mental health among disadvantaged Americans

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.1722023115 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 115 (28) ◽

pp. 7290-7295 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Noreen Goldman ◽

Dana A. Glei ◽

Maxine Weinstein

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Positive Emotions ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Opioid Epidemic ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modest Improvement ◽

The Us ◽

The Impact

Although there is little dispute about the impact of the US opioid epidemic on recent mortality, there is less consensus about whether trends reflect increasing despair among American adults. The issue is complicated by the absence of established scales or definitions of despair as well as a paucity of studies examining changes in psychological health, especially well-being, since the 1990s. We contribute evidence using two cross-sectional waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to assess changes in measures of psychological distress and well-being. These measures capture negative emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, and positive emotions such as happiness, fulfillment, and life satisfaction. Most of the measures reveal increasing distress and decreasing well-being across the age span for those of low relative socioeconomic position, in contrast to little decline or modest improvement for persons of high relative position.

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Association Between Public Knowledge About COVID-19, Trust in Information Sources, and Adherence to Social Distancing: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22060 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ilona Fridman ◽

Nicole Lucas ◽

Debra Henke ◽

Christina K Zigler

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Information Sources ◽

Public Knowledge ◽

Trust In Government ◽

Government Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Negatively Associated ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND The success of behavioral interventions and policies designed to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on how well individuals are informed about both the consequences of infection and the steps that should be taken to reduce the impact of the disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate associations between public knowledge about COVID-19, adherence to social distancing, and public trust in government information sources (eg, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), private sources (eg, FOX and CNN), and social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) to inform future policies related to critical information distribution. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=1243) between April 10 and 14, 2020. Data collection was stratified by US region and other demographics to ensure representativeness of the sample. RESULTS Government information sources were the most trusted among the public. However, we observed trends in the data that suggested variations in trust by age and gender. White and older populations generally expressed higher trust in government sources, while non-White and younger populations expressed higher trust in private sources (eg, CNN) and social networks (eg, Twitter). Trust in government sources was positively associated with accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and adherence to social distancing. However, trust in private sources (eg, FOX and CNN) was negatively associated with knowledge about COVID-19. Similarly, trust in social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) was negatively associated with both knowledge and adherence to social distancing. CONCLUSIONS During pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, policy makers should carefully consider the quality of information disseminated through private sources and social networks. Furthermore, when disseminating urgent health information, a variety of information sources should be used to ensure that diverse populations have timely access to critical knowledge.

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The Impact of Educational Attainment on Black Women’s Obesity Rate in the United States

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities ◽

10.1007/s40615-019-00663-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 345-354 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gwenetta Denise Curry

Keyword(s):

Black Women ◽

Educational Attainment ◽

White Women ◽

The United States ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

The Impact

AbstractOver the last two decades, Black women have been disproportionately impacted by the obesity epidemic in the USA. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 56.6% of Black women are overweight or obese compared with 44.4% Hispanic and 32.8% of white women. Social scientists and public health researchers have argued that increasing educational attainment would lead to overall improvements in health outcomes. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, Cycles 1999–2010, I examined how educational attainment impacts Black women’s rate of obesity and C-reactive protein levels (N = 2685). Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the association between body mass index (BMI) and educational attainment. C-reactive protein, inflammation response, was used to measure the body’s reaction to being exposed to stress. The results demonstrated that educational attainment among Black women does not decrease their risk of being obese or levels of C-reactive protein. This article provides evidence to support a need to increase awareness of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black women.

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Emotional impact of COVID-19 lockdown and mitigation options: A cross-sectional survey of households in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211032477 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110324

Author(s):

Nwamaka A Elom ◽

Ignatius O Nwimo ◽

Sampson Omena Elom ◽

Deborah N Alegu ◽

Eunice N Afoke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Family Members ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Video Conference ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mitigation Options ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has continued to plague households, leading to lockdown problems. Adopting appropriate mitigation strategies can reduce the impact on family members. Purpose: To assess the emotional impact of COVID-19 epidemic lockdown and mitigation measures among households in Ebonyi State. Methods: Cross-sectional survey design was used to study 516 participants. Emotional impact of COVID-19 lockdown ( r = 0.73) and mitigation options ( r = 0.92) questionnaire was used for data collection. Of the 516 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 493 copies (95.5% return rate) were used for data analysis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, standard deviations, and t-tests. Results: The data showed the emotional impact of the COVID-19 epidemic was high (2.97 ± 0.48) on households. They embraced friendly communication and communication with their partners, maintaining regular contact with their loved ones by phone, email, social media, or video conference to alleviate the COVID-19 lockdown. No significant differences were found in the emotional impact for location ( p > 0.05). Significant differences were not observed in many gender-based mitigation options. Conversely, a significant difference existed in the mitigation options based on location ( t = 3.143, p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in friendly interactions and communication with partners ( t = 0.354, p > 0.05), finding opportunities to develop excellent and promising news and images ( t = 0.770, p > 0.05) and maintaining regular communication with loved ones via phone, email, social media, and video conference ( t = 0.448, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The emotional impact of COVID-19 confinement was significant on family life and was more prevalent among men and urban dwellers. There is need to organise an awareness campaign on fundamental ways to overcome emotional distress using media targeting family members to promote emotional health.

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The impact of COVID-19 on the chiropractic profession: a cross-sectional survey on opinions, professional changes, and personal hardships of U.S. chiropractors

10.21203/rs.3.rs-37901/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shawn M Neff ◽

Rebecca L. Deyo ◽

Annabelle L. Mac Auley ◽

Dana J. Lawrence

Keyword(s):

Spinal Manipulation ◽

The United States ◽

Chiropractic Profession ◽

Sufficient Evidence ◽

World Federation ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stress Levels ◽

Reported Data ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Currently, there are few studies analyzing how COVID-19 has impacted the chiropractic profession. A recent paper, however, analyzed changes made to chiropractic practice by comparing the 7 different international regions represented by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). In overall healthcare, there is limited research on specialty-based stress levels both before and during COVID-19. Our survey was conducted to collect self-reported data on how COVID-19 has affected U.S. doctors of chiropractic.Methods: An electronic survey was sent to U.S. chiropractors nationwide via social media and email. The survey collected personal and practice demographic information, office protocols, changes made during COVID-19, chiropractic profession opinions/stances, information related to stress, and personal beliefs/opinions. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: 750 U.S. chiropractors responded. Just over half of respondents reported moderate levels of stress, and just over 30% reported severe levels due to a variety of reasons related to both personal and professional circumstances. The primary stressors were financial and business concerns. The highest stress levels were among employers responsible for others. A majority reported beliefs that the chiropractic profession should not advertise that spinal manipulation provides any immune system benefit. 13% of the respondents believed chiropractors should be marketing immune benefits during this time. A shift toward telehealth was reported, with 18% adding it to their services.Conclusion: Stress levels were high across the population. A range of opinions existed regarding spinal manipulation and immunity benefits. The majority reported there was not sufficient evidence to support such a belief; however, a group of respondents believed that chiropractors should be marketing immune-enhancing benefits to the population. A logical next step would be to study why such beliefs persist. This information may be useful in better understanding how chiropractors have experienced the global effects of COVID-19 across the United States.

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A Qualitative Study of the Social and Lived Experiences of Homebound Older Adults

Journal of Applied Gerontology ◽

10.1177/07334648211040383 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 073346482110403

Author(s):

Joyce M. Cheng ◽

George P. Batten ◽

Nengliang (Aaron) Yao

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Lived Experiences ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Care Providers ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Homebound Older Adults

Objective: The number of homebound older adults is increasing in the United States. We aimed to examine their social and lived experiences and to understand their perspectives on their situation, feelings, and coping mechanisms. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 18 older homebound individuals in Central Virginia. Results: Homebound older adults experienced both physical and mental health challenges that restricted their ability to participate in activities of daily living, recreation, and social interactions. Participants often felt dependent, helpless, lonely, and socially isolated. Those who communicated regularly with friends, family, and health care providers reported positive benefits from these interactions. Discussion: Participants faced challenges to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Our findings might help clinicians, policymakers, and community organizations understand how to better support homebound older adults. We should provide educational opportunities, respect their autonomy, and implement initiatives to address their isolation and loneliness.

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Psychological symptoms of the outbreak of the COVID-19 confinement in Spain

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105320967086 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 135910532096708

Author(s):

Paula Odriozola-González ◽

Álvaro Planchuelo-Gómez ◽

María Jesús Irurtia ◽

Rodrigo de Luis-García

Keyword(s):

Psychological Symptoms ◽

Spanish Population ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Impact Of Event Scale ◽

Event Scale ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

The Impact

We studied the short-term psychological effects of the COVID-19 crisis and the quarantine on 3550 adults from the Spanish population in a cross-sectional survey. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress were analyzed using the 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were analyzed using the Impact of Event Scale. Symptomatic scores of anxiety, depression, and stress were observed in 20% to 30% of respondents. Symptomatic scores indicating psychological stress were found in 47.5% of respondents. Similar to the findings of other multiple studies, confinement has been found to have significant emotional impact in the Spanish population.

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Racial Discrimination and Uptake of Dental Services among American Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16091558 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. 1558 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wael Sabbah ◽

Aswathikutty Gireesh ◽

Malini Chari ◽

Elsa K. Delgado-Angulo ◽

Eduardo Bernabé

Keyword(s):

Racial Discrimination ◽

Social Inequalities ◽

Smoking Status ◽

The United States ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Dental Services ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Past

This study examined the relationship between racial discrimination and use of dental services among American adults. We used data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a health-related telephone cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. Racial discrimination was indicated by two items, namely perception of discrimination while seeking healthcare within the past 12 months and emotional impact of discrimination within the past 30 days. Their association with dental visits in the past year was tested in logistic regression models adjusting for predisposing (age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, smoking status), enabling (health insurance), and need (missing teeth) factors. Approximately 3% of participants reported being discriminated when seeking healthcare in the past year, whereas 5% of participants reported the emotional impact of discrimination in the past month. Participants who experienced emotional impact of discrimination were less likely to have visited the dentist during the past year (Odds Ratios (OR): 0.57; 95% CI 0.44–0.73) than those who reported no emotional impact in a crude model. The association was attenuated but remained significant after adjustments for confounders (OR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.99). There was no association between healthcare discrimination and last year dental visit in the fully adjusted model. Emotional impact of racial discrimination was an important predictor of use of dental services. The provision of dental health services should be carefully assessed after taking account of racial discrimination and its emotional impacts within the larger context of social inequalities.

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Exploring Predictors of Social Distancing Compliance in the United States during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.262 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Alexa C. Hansen ◽

Charlotte V. Farewell ◽

Jennifer S. Jewell ◽

Jenn A. Leiferman

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Psychological Factors ◽

Health Belief ◽

The United States ◽

Perceived Benefits ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Perceived Susceptibility ◽

Social Distancing

Abstract Objective: Through the application of the Health Belief Model, this study sought to explore how relationships between perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits of social distancing recommendations, as well as psychological factors, may impact compliance with COVID-19 social distancing recommendations in the United States. Methods: Between October and November 2020, a convenience sample of English-speaking adults in the United States completed an online, cross-sectional survey which included items assessing beliefs around threats (e.g., perceived susceptibility and severity), response efficacy, (e.g., perceived benefits), psychological factors (e.g., stress and COVID-specific anxiety), and compliance with social distancing measures (e.g., avoiding social gatherings). Results: Social distancing compliance was positively associated with perceived susceptibility of COVID-19 (b =.42, p < .05) and perceived benefits of social distancing recommendations (b = .81, p < .01). No significant associations were found between perceived severity of COVID-19 (p = .38), general stress (p = .28), COVID-19-related anxiety (p = .12) and compliance. Conclusions: Findings suggest that perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 and perceived benefits of social distancing measures significantly increased compliance with social distancing recommendations in this convenience sample of U.S. adults.

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Attitudes and Intention to Work With Older Adults by USA and Israeli Nursing Students: Measure Adaptation and Testing

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.700 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 217-217

Author(s):

Catherine Van Son ◽

Anna Zisberg ◽

Ksenya Shulyaev

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Nursing Students ◽

Construct Validity ◽

Survey Design ◽

The United States ◽

Original Structure ◽

Validity And Reliability ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Needs

Abstract More nurses are needed to meet the healthcare needs of older adults. Valid and reliable measures are lacking that assess attitudes and intentions of nursing students to select a career in geriatrics. This paper discusses the applicability of the Carolina Opinions on Care of Older Adults (COCOA) instrument on attitudes towards and intention to work with older adults among nursing students. A cross-sectional survey design was used with samples of nursing students from the United States (N=122) and Israel (N=109). Students completed the COCOA instrument and the measure’s dimensionality, construct validity, reliability and equivalence among the nursing students was tested. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) produced 5 factors explaining 59% of the variation with most of the items (17, 71%) loading above 0.40 on subscales according to the instrument’s original structure. Four items loaded on different subscales than originally described. One original subscale was eliminated (Value of Older Adults), and one new subscale was created (Older versus Younger Adults). The reliability scores were good to acceptable for all subscales (.60 - .80). Confirmatory FA supported the data’s fit to the modified COCOA instrument (CMIN/DF=1.55, CFI=.93, IFI=.93, RMSEA=.05). The analysis of model equivalence for USA and Israeli samples revealed significant differences attributed to Experience in Caring for Older Adults subscale. The modified COCOA instrument demonstrated good construct validity and reliability and can serve as estimation of nursing students’ attitudes towards older adults and intention to choose geriatrics as a career. Further studies are needed to test its predictive validity.

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