ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study aims to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, its influencing factors, and the relationship between loneliness, physical activity and depressive symptoms among individuals aged 65 years and above during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1093 older adults in Turkey. A Descriptive Data Form, the Loneliness Scale for the Elderly, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly were used to collect data. In this study, the presence of depressive symptoms was the dependent variable;sociodemographic and individual characteristics, habits, history of chronic illness and COVID-19, perception of loneliness and physical activity level were independent variables. Result(s): The prevalence of depressive symptoms among older adults was 66.8%. Depressive symptoms were 3.96 times higher among women, 8.06 times higher in urban areas, 2.56 times higher among those who had equal income and expenses, and 2.78 times higher among older adults who had less income than expenses. Depressive symptoms were further 1.98 times higher among those who had chronic diseases and 25.54 times higher among those diagnosed with COVID-19. Additionally, depressive symptoms increased by 23.24 times among those who did not have a hobby, and 1.53 times for each one-point increase in the level of loneliness. No relationship was found between physical activity levels and depressive symptoms. Conclusion(s): The results show that two out of three older adults were depressed. Characteristics such as having had COVID-19, loneliness, and hobbies, were significant influencing factors of depressive symptoms among older adults. There is a need to adopt feasible and protective policies that cater to the needs and control the risk factors of older adults during the pandemic. Copyright © 2022, Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to adapt the COVID-19 Stress Scales (CSS) into Turkish and provide evidence for construct validity. For this purpose, firstly, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied for the 5-factor model obtained during the development of CSS and the theoretically expected 6-factor model with total of 546 respondents. The findings revealed that the 6-factor model of CSS had a better fit in the Turkish sample. Factor loadings varied between .62 -.95 and correlations between subscales were between .44 -.76. Cronbach's Alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients for each subscale indicated good-to-excellent internal consistency. To evaluate the criterion-related validity, the Turkish version of The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was administered to the participants and the correlation coefficients between this scale and the six subscale of CSS were calculated. We also conducted the Rasch analysis with related items to provide psychometric evidence for their unidimensional structure of each of the six subscales. Lastly, Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was performed across subgroups by gender, having COVID-19, and being a student. Overall, the results of both CFA and Rasch analyses provided evidence to support the substantive aspect of validity and the appropriateness of the CSS as a measure of COVID-19 stress level in a Turkish sample.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis situation that causes global public health problems with its medical, psychological and social-economic aspects. Its rapid spread lack of treatment, and fatal course have made the disease an international threat. It has not been reported that COVID-19 infection susceptibility has been increased in pregnant women according to general population. However, women during pregnancy are generally more susceptible to various pregnancy-related complications and respiratory pathogens, which increases the risk of developing adverse pregnancy and newborn outcomes. Effective management during pregnancy allows healthcare professionals to take precautionary measures earlier by knowing possible negative consequences and improving perinatal outcomes. In this study;it is aimed to examine the effective control and management of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period in line with the current literature and to guide health care professionals.