scholarly journals Predictors of Anxiety, Stress, and Concern of COVID-19 Infection in Older Adults During the First and the Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Slovakia

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 233372142110476
Author(s):  
Miroslava Köverová ◽  
Beáta Ráczová ◽  
Bibiána Kováčová Holevová
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Predictor Variables ◽  
Psychological Predictors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Perceived Danger ◽  
And Coping

Objectives: This cross-sectional online study examined the role of socio-demographic and psychological characteristics in predicting anxiety, stress, and concern of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in older adults during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Slovakia. Methods: Six hundred and seven older adults (Sample 1) and 156 older adults (Sample 2) participated in the study during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. The older adults completed a battery of validated instruments for anxiety, stress, concern of COVID-19 infection (outcome variables), satisfaction with health, perceived danger of COVID-19, loneliness, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), optimism, powerlessness, and coping self-efficacy (predictor variables). The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results: The older adults in both samples experienced moderate levels of anxiety, stress, and concern of COVID-19 infection. The greatest amount of variability in anxiety and stress was explained by powerlessness, IU, optimism, and coping self-efficacy. Concern of COVID-19 infection was best predicted by the perceived danger of COVID-19. Conclusion: The findings contribute to the existing knowledge about the mental health of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the role of the psychological predictors of anxiety, stress, and concern of COVID-19 infection during both waves.

scholarly journals 306 - Loneliness and mortality in older adults and the role of depression

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 64-64
Author(s):  
T.J. Holwerda ◽  
D. Rhebergen ◽  
H.C. Comijs ◽  
J.J.M. Dekker ◽  
M.L. Stek
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Clinical Perspective ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Dexamethasone Suppression

Background:The prevalence of loneliness increases with age. The presence of loneliness in older adults has been found to be associated with health problems such as depression, decreased cognitive functioning, increases in systolic blood pressure and increased mortality. The underlying mechanisms of the higher mortality risk are largely unknown.Methods:Meta-analysis to investigate the present evidence for the associations between loneliness and mortality. Cross-sectional studies investigating the associations between loneliness and cardiovascular disease and between loneliness and cortisol in 378 depressed and 132 non-depressed older adults.Results:Loneliness appears to be associated with increased mortality, although when only studies are included that consider depression as a covariate, the association is not significant. Therefore it seems likely that depression plays a mediating role in the higher mortality risk.We did not find a significant association between loneliness and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, loneliness was significantly associated with lower cortisol output and decreased dexamethasone suppression.Discussion:The results and their implications for prevention and treatment will be discussed from a clinical perspective as well as a general health perspective. Is loneliness as potentially dangerous as depression?

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Adherence to Technology-Based Intervention: The Role of Messaging and Individual Differences

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 555-555
Author(s):  
Walter Boot ◽  
Nelson Roque ◽  
Erin Harrell ◽  
Neil Charness
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Message Framing ◽  
Training Intervention ◽  
Home Technology

Abstract Adherence to health behaviors is often poor, including adherence to at-home technology-based interventions. This study (N=120) explored adherence to a cognitive training intervention delivered via computer tablet, assessed adherence over a 4.5 month period, explored how individual difference factors shaped adherence, and tested the efficacy of message framing manipulations (positive vs. negative framing) in boosting adherence. Individual difference factors predicted adherence, including variations in self-efficacy and belief in the efficacy of cognitive training. Overall message framing had little impact. However, during the final portion of the study in which participants were asked to play as much or as little as they wanted instead of following a schedule, participants who received positively framed messages engaged with the intervention more. Implications for predicting and boosting adherence to home delivered technology-based interventions will be discussed.

scholarly journals Love Hurts: The Influence of Social Relations on Exercise Self-Efficacy for Older Adults with Osteoarthritis

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A. Cotter ◽  
Aurora M. Sherman
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Strain

Exercise self-efficacy is a powerful predictor of physical activity behavior, which enhances health and well-being for older adults. Social relations have been proposed as influential precursors for exercise self-efficacy. In a longitudinal study of 160 older adults with osteoarthritis (76.9% women), the authors found that social support (but not social strain) significantly predicted exercise self-efficacy in a structural equation model examining cross-sectional data: χ2(178, N = 160) = 264.57, p < .01; RMSEA = .06; CFI = .92; TLI = .90. When data were examined longitudinally, however, social strain (but not social support) significantly predicted lower exercise self-efficacy 1 year later: χ2(233, N = 160) = 288.64, p < .01; RMSEA = .04; CFI = .96; TLI = .95. Results support the negativity effect, suggesting that social strain might be the more potent aspect of social relations and should be the target of interventions.

scholarly journals LOCKDOWN FATIGUE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PREDICTIVE ROLE OF PERSONAL RESILIENCE, COPING BEHAVIOURS, AND HEALTH

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leodoro J. Labrague ◽  
Cherry Ann Ballad
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Coping Behaviours

AbstractBackgroundThe lockdown measures imposed by many countries since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic have been useful in slowing the transmission of the disease; however, there is growing concern regarding their adverse consequences on overall health and well-being, particularly among young people. To date, most studies have focused on the mental health consequences of the lockdown measures, while studies assessing how this disease control measure influences the occurrence of fatigue are largely absent.AimThe aims of this study are two-fold: (a) to examine the levels of lockdown fatigue, and (2) to determine the role of coping behaviours, personal resilience, psychological well-being and perceived health in fatigue associated to the lockdown measure.MethodsThis is an online cross-sectional study involving 243 college students in the Central Philippines during the sixth month of the lockdown measure implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Five standardised scales were used to collect the data.ResultsOverall, college students reported moderate levels of lockdown fatigue, with a mean score of 31.54 (out of 50). Physical exhaustion or tiredness, headaches and body pain, decreased motivation and increased worry were the most pronounced manifestations of fatigue reported. Gender and college year were identified as important predictors of fatigue. Increased personal resilience and coping skills were associated with lower levels of lockdown fatigue.ConclusionCollege students experience moderate levels of fatigue during the mandatory lockdown or home confinement period. Resilient students and those who perceive higher social support experience lower levels of fatigue during the lockdown period compared to students with low resilience and social support. Lockdown fatigue may be addressed by formulating and implementing interventions to enhance personal resilience and social support among college students.

scholarly journals The association between psychological characteristics and physical activity levels in people with knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Uritani ◽  
Jessica Kasza ◽  
Penny K. Campbell ◽  
Ben Metcalf ◽  
Thorlene Egerton
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Pain Catastrophizing ◽  
Psychological Characteristics ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fear Of Movement ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background:The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological characteristics and physical activity levels, measured as the average number of steps per day, in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: This study analysed baseline data from a randomized controlled trial (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12612000308897). A total of 167 adults aged over 50 years, with knee pain rated as four or more on an 11-point numeric rating scale, and knee OA diagnosed using American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria, were recruited from the community (62 men and 105 women; mean age, 62.2 ± 7.5 years). The average number of steps per day over seven consecutive days was measured using an accelerometer-based device. Psychological characteristics evaluated were: depressive symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale), self-efficacy (Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale for pain and other symptoms), fear of movement (Brief Fear of Movement Scale for Osteoarthritis), and pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale). The association between the average number of steps per day and psychological characteristics was analyzed using a multiple linear regression analysis, with the average number of steps per day as the dependent variable, adjusting for each psychological characteristic separately, and age, sex, body mass index, and pain entered as covariates.Results: There was evidence that the amount of physical activity was associated with fear of movement (coefficient [B]: -117, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: -227 to -8) and with pain catastrophizing (B: -44, 95%CI: -86 to -1). The association with self-efficacy was similar (B:117, 95%CI: -12 to 246). However, the direction of the association with depressive symptoms was less clear (B: -59, 95%CI: -138 to 19).Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the relationship was such that lower fear of movement and lower pain catastrophizing may be associated with more steps per day. It may be hypothesized that fear of moving and pain catastrophizing lead to activity avoidance and that strategies to improve these disease-related psychological aspects may be useful in enhancing physical activity participation, although this hypothesis is highly speculative and needs further testing given the cross-sectional design of this study.

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OF FRAIL ELDERS

2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
A. BARUSCH ◽  
D.L. WATERS
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Personal Attributes ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frail Older Adults ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Home Based Care

Background:Social isolation is a significant problem for frail older adults and the determinants ofsocial engagement are poorly understood. Objectives:This study explored the social engagement of frail eldersto identify personal attributes associated with social engagement. Design, Setting and Participants:A cross-sectional sample of seventy-three people receiving home-based care in one town on the South Island of NewZealand (mean age 82 (7.2) yrs, n=51 Females, 21 Males). Measurements:Face-to-face semi-structuredinterviews and questionnaires. Functional independence was measured using Nottingham Extended Activities ofDaily Living (EADL), self-efficacy by General Self Efficacy Scale, and 2 open-ended questions were piloted onsocial activities and helping others. Results:Regression models identified two statistically associatedcomponents of social engagement: social activities and civic involvement. Contributions to families andcommunity organizations and exercise were important social activities. Personal attributes included perceivedfunctional independence and self-efficacy. Conclusions:In frail older adults, a measurement of socialengagement should address activities older adults identify as important, including exercise. Independence, self -efficacy, and social engagement may interact in reinforcing cycles of empowerment and could play a role indeveloping interventions to retain and maintain function in frail older adults.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Expectations on Antibiotic Use among Older Adults in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Geriatrics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lai San Kong ◽  
Farida Islahudin ◽  
Leelavathi Muthupalaniappen ◽  
Wei Wen Chong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
The Body ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed among older adults, and inappropriate use of antibiotics has been noted. However, there is limited information about their knowledge and expectations for antibiotics. This study aimed to assess older adults’ knowledge of antibiotic use and resistance, their expectations for antibiotics and the relationship between knowledge, expectation and inappropriate practices related to antibiotic use. A cross-sectional survey involving respondents aged 60 years and above was conducted, using a validated questionnaire. A lack of knowledge about the role of antibiotics was observed, whereby more than half of the respondents incorrectly believed that antibiotics can treat viral infections (53.5%) and colds and coughs (53.7%). Also, 67.9% of respondents incorrectly believed that antibiotic resistance occurs when the body becomes resistant to antibiotics. Almost half of the respondents would expect antibiotics for symptoms of self-limiting viral infections. Respondents who answered correctly for the role of antibiotics in viral infections were more likely not to expect antibiotics for cold, flu and cough (p < 0.001). Respondents who answered correctly regarding the need to adhere to antibiotics were more likely to have completed their antibiotic course (p < 0.001). Future educational initiatives should provide key information on the role of antibiotics and the importance of complying with antibiotics in this population.

scholarly journals Perceived Job Insecurity and Depressive Symptoms among Italian Dentists: The Moderating Role of Fear of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Gasparro ◽  
Cristiano Scandurra ◽  
Nelson Mauro Maldonato ◽  
Pasquale Dolce ◽  
Vincenzo Bochicchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Quantile Regression Model ◽  
Containment Measures ◽  
Moderating Role ◽  
Perceived Job Insecurity

Containment measures adopted to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have produced a general perception of job insecurity. Dentists have been highly affected by such measures, as they represent an easy source of contagion. As perceived job insecurity is associated with psychological distress and Italian dentists have been highly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in terms of potential financial loss and the risk of being infected, this study aimed at assessing whether the fear of COVID-19 moderated the effect of perceived job insecurity on depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional online study has included 735 Italian dentists recruited during the lockdown and ranging in age from 27 to 70 years old (495 men and 240 women). A quantile regression model with an inference based on the median and with an interaction term between the fear of COVID-19 and perceived job insecurity has been used to estimate the hypothesized associations. The results indicated that both perceived job insecurity and fear of COVID-19 were positively associated with depressive symptoms, and that the effect of perceived job insecurity on depressive symptoms was weaker among those with a low fear of COVID-19. The findings may inform public health policies for dentists in relation to reducing the risk of developing negative mental health outcomes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document