Anxiety and Stress Related to COVID-19 Among the Community Dwelling Older Adults Residing in the Largest Refugee Camp of the World

Community Ment Health J. 2023 Aug;59(6):1181-1192. doi: 10.1007/s10597-023-01101-5. Epub 2023 Mar 6.

Abstract

The current cross-sectional study was conducted among 864 older adults aged ≥ 60 years residing in Rohingya refugee camp through face-to-face interviews during November-December 2021. COVID-19-related anxiety was measured using the five-point Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and perceived stress using the 10-point Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The linear regression model identified the factors associated with COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress. The prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress was 68% and 93%, respectively. The average COVID-19-related anxiety score expected to be significantly higher among those who were physically inactive, concerned about COVID-19, had a close friend/family member diagnosed with COVID-19, and had some difficulty in getting food and routine medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the average perceived stress score was expected to be significantly higher among those without partners, who were feeling overwhelmed by COVID-19, and who experienced COVID-19-related anxiety during the pandemic. The findings suggest providing immediate psychosocial support to older Rohingya adults.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19-related anxiety; Older adults; Perceived stress; Rohingya.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anxiety / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Independent Living*
  • Pandemics
  • Refugee Camps