Dataset Information

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-19-related social restrictions to predict loneliness, which in turn predicted depressive and anxiety symptoms 10 months later.

Conclusions

COVID-19-related loneliness emerged as a risk factor for subsequent mental distress among older adults in Austria.

SUBMITTER: Mayerl H

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

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

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

Mayerl H H Stolz E E Freidl W W

Public health 20210922

<h4>Objective</h4>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.<h4>Study design</h4>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 (N<sub>1</su ...[more]

PMID: 34678551

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Project description:PurposeHealth-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older persons is influenced by physical and mental health, as well as by their social contacts and social support. Older women and men have disparate types of social networks; they each value social ties differently and experience loneliness in unique and personal ways. The aim of this study is, therefore, to determine the longitudinal association between loneliness and social isolation with HRQOL in older people-separated by gender.MethodsData stem from the third and fourth follow-up of the ESTHER study-a population-based cohort study of the older population in Germany. A sample of 2171 older women and men (mean age: 69.3 years, range 57-84 years) were included in this study; HRQOL was assessed by using the Short Form-12 questionnaire (SF-12). Data on physical and mental health, loneliness, and social networks were examined in the course of comprehensive home visits by trained study doctors. Gender-specific linear regression analyses were performed to predict physical quality of life (measured by the PCS, physical component score of the SF-12) and mental quality of life (measured by the MCS, mental component score) after three years, adjusted by socioeconomic variables as well as physical, mental, and social well-being.ResultsAt baseline, PCS was 41.3 (SD: 10.0) in women and 42.2 (SD: 9.6) in men (p = .04). MCS was 47.0 (SD: 10.2) in women and 49.6 (SD: 8.6) in men (p < .001). In both genders, PCS and MCS were lower three years later. Loneliness at t0 was negatively associated with both PCS and MCS after three years (t1) among women, and with MCS but not PCS after three years among men. In both genders, the strongest predictor of PCS after three years was PCS at t0 (p < .001), while the strongest predictors of MCS after three years were MCS and PCS at t0.ConclusionHRQOL in elderly women and men is predicted by different biopsychosocial factors. Loneliness predicts decreased MCS after three years in both genders, but decreased PCS after three years only in women. Thus, a greater impact of loneliness on the health of older women can be surmised and should therefore be considered in the context of their medical care.

Dataset Information

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

Objective

Study design

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

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

Similar Datasets

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