Investigating the relationship between the perception of the risk of contracting covid-19 and the mental health and quality of life of the elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Older people develop physical and mental disabilities as their age increases and their quality of life decreases. Also, these people are more vulnerable than other groups because they are often weak, vulnerable, and exposed to several diseases at the same time. Older people are at risk for Covid-19 disease, which affects their mental health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Covid-19 risk perception and mental health and quality of life of the elderly in Tabriz. Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was performed on 350 elderly people aged 60 years and older in Tabriz. The sampling method was cluster. Data collection tools included demographic questionnaires, covid-19 disease perception questionnaire, SF-36 questionnaire, and 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ). SPSS 25 statistical software was used to analyze the study data. Result: The mean age of the elderly in this study was 67.9 years. Significant differences were observed between different age groups in the effectiveness of defensive responses (denial, avoidance, resistance, and sensitivity). The physical role was statistically significant between the two age groups of 60 to 70 years and 70 years and was higher in the age group of 71 years and older. In total, 83.1% of participants were classified in risk control processes and 16.9% in fear control processes. Elderly participants in the risk control group were more concerned with the effectiveness and recommended responses to Covid-19 prevention. Women were 1.57 times more likely to control fear (p = 0.025). Illiterate participants were 7.38 times more likely to control fear than other levels of education (p = 0.017). Also, the probability of controlling fear in people with good economic status was 2.70 times higher than the average status (p = 0.029). Increased body pain (p = 0.41), general health (p = 0.032), physical health (p = 0.026) and overall quality of life (p = 0.024) had a protective effect on fear control. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the perception of risk of Covid-19 varies in different age groups and is lower in the elderly. Therefore, preventive attention to this group of people is essential for care measures.