RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED AGEISM, AUTONOMY, AND SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY DURING THE COVID-19 CURFEW IN OLD AGE PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: Restrictive measures were taken to protect people aged 65 years and older during coronavirus pandemic; however, these measures negatively affected their physical and mental health. Ageist attitudes and age discrimination have also become evident during the pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between perceived ageism, sense of autonomy, perceptions of curfews, and anxiety and depression levels in older psychiatric patients who comprised a vulnerable and disadvantaged group during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 171 participants older than 65 years, followed up at Hacettepe University Psychiatry outpatient clinic between December 2019 and February 2020, were interviewed via phone using a survey on sociodemographic characteristics, measures of perceived ageism and autonomy, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form. Results: Of 171 total participants, 57 (34.8%) reported an increase in perceived ageism during the pandemic. Almost one-third of the participants found the curfew decisions for the elderly to be unsuitable. Participants with higher education levels and those who found curfews for the elderly inappropriate showed a greater increase in perceived ageism scores (p<0.001). Additionally, perceived ageism scores were significantly correlated with depression and anxiety (p<0.001). Anxiety and depression scores were significantly lower among participants who reported more autonomy in their lives (p<0.05). Conclusion: During pandemic, state and health authorities should consider the needs of vulnerable groups, such as older individuals and psychiatric patients, when making plans, and ensure that these groups are minimally affected by the disease, restrictive measures, and ageist attitudes.