Abstract

JESUS, Filipe  and  HUMBOLDT, Sofia von. Psychological impact of covid-19 and depression in a sample of portuguese elderly. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.2, pp.488-494.  Epub Sep 30, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230218.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to profound changes in our daily routines. Although necessary, the restriction measures have affected the mental health of elderly individuals, being associated with a higher risk of depression symptoms. With this exploratory study we intend to investigate the relationship between the psychological impact of COVID-19 and the levels of depression in a sample of Portuguese elderly. We used a non-random sample of 10 participants, obtained in clinical context (M= 68 years, SD= 5.203). The Anxiety, Depression and Stress Scale (EADS-21) and the Impact Scale of a Revised Event (IES-R) were applied. A descriptive and relational analysis of the data was performed, using linear regression. The results showed statistical significance between the depression levels and the subscales Avoidance (β=0.868, t(8)=4.953; p=0.001), Intrusion (β=0.854, t(8)=4.640; p=0.002) and Hypervigilance (β=0.833, t(8)=4.254; p=0.003). The results corroborate other preliminary studies reporting a higher risk of depression in elderly subjects when compared to other younger age groups. To respond adequately to the new demands of the pandemic situation, we find necessary to elaborate intervention plans aimed at ensuring the psychological well-being of this target population.

Keywords : COVID-19; Depression; Elderly; Confinement; Psychological Impact.

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