Fear of COVID-19 infection and its relation to depressive and anxiety symptoms among elderly population: online survey

Abstract

Background: The pandemic of COVID-19 is considered as one of the major threats that affected all age groups all over the world. Old age group has been highly affected with increased risk of severe health complications that may result in several mental health problems such as anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, sleep problems, or any other mental health disorder. Thus the aim of this study is to investigate the fear of COVID-19 infection and its relation to depressive and anxiety symptoms among elderly population during COVID-19 outbreak. A survey was distributed online through social media via a link to people who are 60 years old or above (N = 161). Results: The average score of fear of COVID-19 scale was 17.7 ± 5.4. There was a highly statistically significant correlation between anxiety subscale, depression subscale, and total score of hospital anxiety and depression scale with fear of COVID-19 score. Conclusions: Participants who were more worried about having the disease developed more symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to screen the older people for the COVID-19-related fear and accompanying psychological disorders.