Mental health in elderly Spanish people in times of COVID-19 outbreak

Highlights

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  What is the primary question addressed by this study? It is essential to know the impact of the new COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the elderly.

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  What is the main finding of this study? Older participants have shown less emotional distress than younger participants, with no differences between men and women. Moreover, the economic losses and the increase in the use of anxiolytics have been related to higher levels of anxiety, depression and acute stress in the elderly.

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  What is the meaning of the finding? It seems convenient to establish strategies to guarantee the economic security of the elderly, as well as to prevent the development of substance use disorders.

Abstract

Background

We aim to assess COVID-19 outbreak-related emotional symptoms, identify gender differences, and study the relationship between the emotional state and environmental features in the elderly.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study starting on March 29 to April 5, 2020 based on a national online survey using snowball sampling techniques. Symptoms of anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory) and acute stress (Acute Stress Disorder Inventory) were compared between people over and under 60 years old. Gender differences and the relationship of loneliness, regular exercise, economic losses and use of anxiolytics on the mental state were evaluated.

Results

1639 [150 (9.2%) aged ≥60] participants completed the survey. The ≥60 group showed lower mean (SD) BDI levels than the <60 group [3.02 (3.28) vs. 4.30 (4.93)]; and lower mean (SD) ASDI scores than the <60 group [3.68 (3.20) vs. 4.45 (3.06)]. There were no gender differences in any of the clinical measures. The presence of economic losses as well as the increase in the use of anxiolytics was significantly associated with higher emotional distress in the elderly compared to the younger group.

Conclusions

Older people has shown less emotional distress, with no differences between men and women. Economic loss and substance use should be monitored to guarantee the emotional well-being of the elderly.