Factors Contributing to Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Adult during COVID-19: Using Data from the 2020 Community Health Survey

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlations among perceived health status, stress, daily life changes, physical distancing, depression, and to determine associated fctors of depression fo older adults in COVID-19. Methods: This study was conducted on 42,448 persons aged 65 years and above who participated in the 2020 Community Health Survey Data analysis was done with SAS 9.4. Results: The factors related to depression of community-dwelling older adults were gender (β=.04, p<.001), age (β=.07, p<.001), education (β=-.04, p<.001), monthly household income (β=-.02, p<.001), depressive symptoms (β=.27, p<.001), unmet healthcare needs (β=-.08, p<.001), households (β=.02, p<.001), perceived health status (β=.21, p<.001), stress (β=-.26, p<.001), daily life changes (β=-.03, p<.001), and physical distancing (β=-.02, p<.001). The descriptive power of this regression model was 31%. Conclusion: Treatment and education for diseases and depression should be provided to community-dwelling older adults to prevent and manage their depression. In particular, nursing interventions are needed to improve depression in the older adults. Health care programs such as reducing stress and maintaining daily activities while maintaining good health should also be provided. © 2022 Korean Gerontological Nursing Society.