Longitudinal effects of COVID-19-related loneliness on symptoms of mental distress among older adults in Austria.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

COVID-19-related social restrictions resulted in more loneliness, but whether this had further effects on mental health remains unclear. This study aimed at examining the longitudinal effects of COVID-19-related loneliness on mental health among older adults (aged ≥60 years) in Austria.

Study design

Survey data were gathered from a longitudinal observational study among a random sample of older Austrian adults. The first survey wave was conducted in May 2020 (N₁ = 557), and the second wave was conducted in March 2021 (N₂ = 463).

Methods

Data collection was based on either computer-assisted web or telephone interviewing. For statistical analysis, we used a cross-lagged panel analysis.

Results

The results showed the perceived COVID

SUBMITTER: Mayerl H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8479381 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature