ABSTRACT
Background: The mortality rate of COVID-19 infection is higher among older people. Universal mask wearing is effective at preventing infections. Health belief is associated with health behaviours (such as mask wearing). Purposes: This study aimed to assess the associations between mask-wearing behaviours, health beliefs, and depression in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The depression rate of older people during the COVID-19 pandemic was high. Older people with better health beliefs, particularly in perceived the severity of COVID-19 and efficacy of mask wearing, had better mask-wearing behaviours. Older people with a shortage of masks were more depressive. Better health beliefs protected older people from depression during mask shortage. Conclusion: Mental health support during the pandemic should be a priority. Health education to promote specific health beliefs should be advocated.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, and began its worldwide journey. As the severity of the virus became known, the Chinese National Government mobilized resources, and their centralized management was critical to the containment of the epidemic. Healthcare agencies and providers were overwhelmed with patients, many of whom were critically ill and died. Nurses adapted to the work using personal protective equipment, but its initial scarcity contributed to stressful working conditions. Nurses in the United States can take several lessons from the experiences of their Chinese nurse colleagues, including the benefit of centralized management of the epidemic, the need for specialized treatment facilities, and the importance of a national stockpile of critical equipment and supplies. A fully funded United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Pandemics and Emerging Threats is necessary. A nursing department within the office and a national mobilization plan to send nurses to support local efforts during a pandemic or other threat are likewise essential. Continuous training for nurses, especially caring for patients with infectious diseases in intensive care units, stress management, and how to comfort the dying, are also useful lessons.