A study in Thailand investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected 200 older adults without dementia living at two government long-term care centres. The prevalence of and risk factors for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety were investigated during August 2020 to October 2020.

Most older people reported a moderate or severe impact of the pandemic. The most impacted area was financial due to decreased support form outside the centre. Seventy percent of respondents reported no or mild psychological stress linked to the pandemic. A minority had post-traumatic stress, depression, or anxiety. Having respiratory tract infection symptoms and receiving news via social media was independently associated with these symptoms. Residents also reported impact on health due to having difficulties in seeing doctors and experiencing financial impacts.

References:

Srifuengfung, M., Thana-Udom, K., Ratta-Apha, W., Chulakadabba, S., Sanguanpanich, N., & Viravan, N. (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults living in long-term care centers in Thailand, and risk factors for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. Journal of Affective Disorders, 295, 353–365. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.044