THE EFFECT OF RELIGIOUS COPING ON GERIATRIC ANXIETY IN A GROUP OF OLDER TURKISH WOMEN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This study aims to determine the effect of religious coping on geriatric anxiety in a group of older Turkish women during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: Implementing a cross-sectional research design, this study was conducted on 356 women who visited the women’s health clinics, for various reasons, in a hospital in Elazig, Turkey, between January and February 2021. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the COVID-19 Phobia Scale, the Religious Coping Scale, and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory. Results: The study determined that 78.4% of the women were between 60 and 70 years old, 43.0% had a basic level of literacy, 82.9% were married, 45.8% had equal income and expenditures, and 69.9% were housewives. Data showed 87.9% of the women had chronic diseases and 45.2% had difficulties accessing hospital services. The relationship between geriatric anxiety and the age and marital status of participants was significant. Women aged 71 to 81 years and single women had a higher risk of geriatric anxiety;unemployed women were found to have more geriatric anxiety. Those with geriatric anxiety perceived their health status to be moderate. The negative religious coping score was found to be statistically significantly higher in the older women who experienced geriatric anxiety. Conclusion: These results reveal the importance of supporting older women in coping with fear and geriatric anxiety. Old age often brings loneliness and loss of income for women and those forced to remain at home due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic period need to be considered holistically.