Relationship between social exclusion and anxiety in older people during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim This study aims to determine the relationship between social exclusion and anxiety in older people during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods This descriptive research was conducted with individuals aged ≥65 years who were registered with Family Health Centers between July and September 2021. The sample size was calculated using a sampling method with an unknown population and was determined as 400 individuals; a random sampling method was utilized for selecting the participants. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Social Exclusion Scale in the Elderly and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory. Results Social exclusion level was found to be significantly higher in those who were illiterate who were single/widowed, who lived in rural areas, who reportedly had a low income, who had a chronic disease, who used an assistive device and who perceived their health as bad (P < 0.05). The geriatric anxiety level was found to be significantly higher in those who had an education level of university and above, who were married, who lived with their spouse and children, who worked, who had a good income, who lived in urban areas, who did not use an assistive device, who were dependent in their daily activities, who did not have a chronic disease, who perceived their health condition as good, and who did exercises regularly (P < 0.05). Conclusions This study found a negative and significant relationship between the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and the Social Exclusion Scale. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 240–245.

There is no association between anxiety and lifestyle in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

“…Similar results were observed in Ireland where, unlike adults aged 18–34 years, those aged 65 years and over had common symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in 20% during the initial phase of the pandemic. 47 In addition, 46% of our participants had a higher education degree, this is relevant because, in a Turkish population, geriatric anxiety levels were found to be higher in those with higher education, 48 which does not agree with our results due in part to the social, economic, and political determinants that govern the health of the elderly.…”

Sociodemographic Differences in COVID-19 Self-Reported Symptoms by Ethnicity and Older Adults in Bolivia

“…However, the information coming from self-reporting could be overrepresented, because people who do not have symptoms may report any when asked, could be related to the theory of social exclusion (Leary, 1990 ), so as not to be excluded from access to health services (Bejaković et al, 2021 ; D’cruz & Banerjee, 2020 ) and to lack of social contact and ignorance of behavior in case of being infected by COVID-19 (Aslan & Kant, 2022 ).…”