Predictors of persistent depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of psychological distress for older adults during a period of reduced access to mental health support. We identified predictors of persistent depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults throughout the initial 9 months of the pandemic.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study using web-based surveys sent to a convenience sample of Canadians aged ≥55 years. A baseline survey was sent in May 2020, with eight surveys sent monthly between June 2020 and January 2021. Data were separated into three study periods, corresponding to coronavirus case rates. Respondents who met predetermined thresholds for elevated depressive or anxiety symptoms using standardized mental health scales during all three periods were defined as ha

SUBMITTER: Siddhpuria S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9874605 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature