Dataset Information

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Older age is a substantial risk factor for serious illness from COVID-19. Moreover, isolation and quarantine are more likely to cause physical, mental and social deprivation in older age. Information and Communication Tools are means to prevent such consequences.

Objective

This study aimed therefore to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown measures on the usage of an innovative technical support system deployed in Austria (AT) and Luxembourg (LU) consisting of several tools that allow independent living in older age.

Methods

Thirty-nine older adults (11 male; 28 female) with a mean age of 74.3 (SD 7.3) years were included in the study. In total, 18 older people were recruited in AT and 21 in LU. Descriptive statistics were computed, and longitudinal models were fitted for technology use and self-reported mood.

Results

The number of older adults using the system significantly decreased from the time before lockdown (39 [100%]) to during lockdown (26 [67%]) and thereafter (23 [59%]; p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons revealed a significant reduction in the average number of events for calendar and medication tools, but a substantial increase in communication and messaging events. Self-reported well-being declined during the lockdown and increased afterwards back to baseline levels.

Conclusion

Communication was the main reason for using the support system. In addition, strategies and interventions are essential to support older adults when using information technology in the prolonged phases of the pandemic to sustain independent living.

Clinical trial registration

The DAPAS protocol was published at www.researchgate.net. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24233.34401.

SUBMITTER: Mayer CC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9087387 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults.

Mayer Christopher C CC Mosor Erika E Bachler Martin M Stani Sabrina S Roedl Lukas L Muellner-Rieder Markus M Cichocki-Richtig Beatrix B von Dollen Viviane V Pasterk Sabine S Aldrian Julia J Köberl Paul P Stamm Tanja T

International journal of geriatric psychiatry 20220301 3

<h4>Background</h4>Older age is a substantial risk factor for serious illness from COVID-19. Moreover, isolation and quarantine are more likely to cause physical, mental and social deprivation in older age. Information and Communication Tools are means to prevent such consequences.<h4>Objective</h4>This study aimed therefore to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown measures on the usage of an innovative technical support system deployed in Austria (AT) and Luxembourg (LU) consisting of ...[more]

PMID: 35179240

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Project description:ObjectivesWe aimed to explore the effects of the Dutch COVID-19 lockdown (March 20-May 25, 2020) on mood, behavior, and social and cognitive functioning of older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) prospectively.DesignMixed methods: historically controlled longitudinal cohort study and focus groups.Setting and participantsResidents of Dutch LTCFs.MethodsResidents who were assessed during and prior to the lockdown were compared to residents of the same wards with 2 assessments prior to the lockdown. We used mixed models and generalized estimating equation analyses to explore differences in changes in mood, withdrawal and aggressive behavior, loneliness and conflict, and cognition and delirium. We also explored whether the effect of the lockdown differed for different subgroups. In 2 online focus groups, LTCF care professionals, ranging from care staff to physicians, reflected on their experiences of the effect of the lockdown and the cohort study results.ResultsThe lockdown group of 298 residents was compared to the control group of 625 residents. Self-reported mood symptoms showed a slightly greater increase during the lockdown. During the first half of the lockdown, the level of conflict with other residents decreased whereas it increased in the control group. The subgroup with moderate-severe cognitive impairment showed a decrease in withdrawal during the lockdown, whereas the group with no-mild cognitive impairment showed a statistically nonsignificant relative increase. Professionals described great individual variation in the effects of the lockdown on residents. Facilities attempted to preserve the experienced positive effects, for example, by promoting tranquility in shared rooms and continuing to organize individualized ward-based activities.Conclusions and implicationsWe did not find clinically relevant negative effects of the lockdown on mood, behavior, and social and cognitive functioning in older residents of LTCFs at the group level. Possibly, staff mitigated the negative effects at the group level. Meanwhile, they learned lessons that they continue to apply to enhance resident well-being.

Project description:BackgroundDepression is a chronic condition that affects up to 15% of older adults. The healthogenic effects of regular exercise are well established, but it is still unclear which exercise-related variables characterise the antidepressant effects of exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which exercise-related variables (exercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support) can predict depressive symptoms in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire data from a sample of 586 community-dwelling older Australians aged 65 to 96 years old. Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, modified CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults, Four-Dimension Mood Scale, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, and Social Provisions Scale - Short Form. Bivariate correlations were performed, and hierarchical multiple regression was subsequently used to test the regression model.ResultsExercise behaviour, exercise-induced mood, exercise self-efficacy, and social support were all negatively associated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.20 to -0.56). When the variables were entered as predictors into the hierarchical multiple regression model, social support was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (β = -0.42), followed by exercise-induced mood (β = -0.23), and exercise self-efficacy (β = -0.07). Exercise behaviour did not explain any additional variance in depressive symptoms. A modest interaction effect was also observed between exercise-induced mood and social support.ConclusionThese findings indicate that social support is the strongest predictor of depressive symptomology in community-dwelling older adults, particularly when combined with positive exercise-induced mood states. When addressing the needs of older adults at risk of depression, healthcare professionals should consider the implementation of exercise programmes that are likely to benefit older adults by improving mood, enhancing self-efficacy, and building social support.

Dataset Information

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical trial registration

Publications

Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on system usage of an innovative care support system and the mood of older adults.

Similar Datasets

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