Depression and generalized anxiety disorder in older adults by the COVID-19 infodemic

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 infodemic on symptoms suggestive of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults who use digital media. Method: Data collected by web-based survey, from July to December 2020, in the population over 60 years old (n=103,636) residing in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, in the countryside of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables, exposure to information about COVID-19 and the association with symptoms of depression and GAD were analyzed. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI-BR) were used to screen for depression and GAD, respectively. For bivariate analysis, the chi-square test was used and, later, Poisson regression, controlled for possible confounding factors (adjusted PR) in the multiple analysis, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Of the 470 older adults who responded, 26.1% had symptoms of depression, and 18.4%, GAD. They were associated with symptoms of depression: time of exposure on social media; feeling affected by information about COVID-19 transmitted on social media and TV; and presenting positive screening for psychological distress caused and/or aggravated by exposure to information about COVID-19. For GAD, in addition to the positive screening for psychological distress, the variables that remained associated were: responses generated by dissemination of fake news on social media; and fear COVID-19-related fear published on the radio. Conclusion: All variables associated with outcomes referred to exposure to information on COVID-19, indicating the evident infodemic impact on symptoms of depression and GAD in older adults.