Comparison of networks of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms in at-risk community-dwelling older adults before and during COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Network analysis provides an innovative approach to examining symptom-to-symptom interactions in mental health, and adverse external conditions may change the network structures. This study compared the networks of common risk factors and mental health problems (loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms) in community-dwelling older people before and during COVID-19. Older adults (aged ≥ 60) at risk for depression were recruited through non-governmental organizations. Loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were measured using the three-item Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively. Data from 2549 (before) and 3506 (during COVID-19) respondents were included usi

SUBMITTER: Liu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11208589 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature