SOCIAL DISTANCING DUE TO COVID-19: SOCIAL SUPPORT NETWORK, ACTIVITIES AND FEELINGS OF AGED INDIVIDUALS WHO LIVE ALONE

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze the social support network, the activities performed, and the factors associated with the presence of negative feelings of aged individuals who live alone during social distancing due to COVID-19. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 119 aged individuals who live alone in the Macro-region of Triângulo Sul, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The data were collected at the homes and with instruments validated in the country. Descriptive and multiple binary regression analyses were performed (p<0.05). Results: 97.5% had a social support network for health needs and for maintaining social distancing (79.8%). The activity most frequently performed was household chores (77.3%). The presence of negative feelings was associated with the female gender (p<0.001) and with fewer activities (p=0.012). Conclusion: the data contribute to the development of health actions, revealing situations in the daily life of aged individuals that are exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as aspects related to the negative feelings experienced by aged individuals who live alone.