Knowledge and Mental Health Needs of the Elderly during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a South-Western Private University in Nigeria
Journal of Disease and Global Health, Volume 16, Issue 1,
Page 23-36
DOI:
10.56557/jodagh/2023/v16i18170
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 outbreak, and related public health initiatives have disrupted the lives of many people worldwide. Evidently, the COVID-19 pandemic has produced detrimental social and psychological impact on the mental health of the vast populations especially the elderly. . This study sought to assess the knowledge resources and mental health needs of the elderly emerging from COVID-19 Pandemic of the elderly population at Babcock University in Southwest Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 196 consenting elders resident at Babcock University were enrolled in an online survey at Babcock University to assess the mental health needs of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypotheses were tested using bivariate analysis at 0.05 level of significance.
Results: Majority [104 (58.4%)] of the elderly respondents are between the age bracket 60-64 and [51 (28.7%)] for the age bracket 65-74 years old. The respondents' top four needs during the pandemic are financial aid [108 (60.7%)], social support [41 (23.0%)], the presence of a caregiver [24 (13.5%)], and housing [5 (2.8%)]. The respondents' social condition might be summarized as follows: minimal social interaction with others, leaving them socially isolated [61 (34.3%)] and insufficient social contact with others [53 (29.8%)]. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and emotional state during the pandemic (p <0.05).
Conclusion/Recommendation: Given the respondents' emotional state and other mental health problems that come with age, this study has supplied information about potential services that the elderly may find valuable. Government organizations and other partners should design planned interventions for the elderly throughout this period of life.
Keywords:
- Elderly
- mental health needs
- COVID-19
- Babcock University
How to Cite
Emmanuel, O. O., Doris, O. J., Olumide, A. E., Worlu, O. C., Onuigbo, A. N., Oluwadara, E., Olayimika, A. E., Oluwadamilare, A., & Aku, D. C. (2023). Knowledge and Mental Health Needs of the Elderly during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a South-Western Private University in Nigeria. Journal of Disease and Global Health, 16(1), 23–36. https://doi.org/10.56557/jodagh/2023/v16i18170
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Atekoja OE, Oyewumi ZO, Jolayemi KI, Akingbade O. Assessment of knowledge, compliance and public response to preventive strategies of COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Region Nigeria. International Public Health Journal. 2021;13(3): 289-299. Available:https://www.proquest.com/docview/2594202907?pq-origsite=primo&parentSessionId=aqnWg%2Fzfo61KR3fCR%2FBk5ADjuFIigQeaf1esTYZ6Zgk%3D
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Larson EA, Bader-Larsen KS, Magkos F. The effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on diet and physical activity in older adults: A systematic review. Aging Dis. 2021;12(8):1935–1947. DOI:https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2021.0606
Afolalu OO, Atekoja OE, Oyewumi ZO, Adeyeye SO, Jolayemi KI, Akingbade O. Perceived impact of coronavirus pandemic on uptake of healthcare services in South West Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J. 2021 Sep 9;40:26. DOI:https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2021.40.26.2827
Asiazobor EF. Older people’s perception about COVID-19 directives and their impacts on family care and support for older people in Ile-Ife of south-western Nigeria. International Journal on Ageing in Developing Countries. 2021;6(1):34-54.
Available:https://inia.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6.1.3-Older-peoples-perception-about-COVID-19-directives-and-their-impacts-on-family-care-and-support-for-older-people-in-Ile-Ife-of-south-western-Nigeria.pdf
Amoo G, Ogundele AT, Olajide AO, Ighoroje MG, Oluwaranti AO, Onunka GC, Ladeinde AA, Folaji OG. Prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity among community-dwelling elderly populations in Abeokuta, Nigeria. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2020 Nov;33(6):353-362 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/0891988719892327
Ojeahere MU. The rarity of elder abuse in Nigeria: a misconception or reality?”. Premium Times (14/03/2020).
Available:https://opinion.premiumtimesng.com/2020/03/14/the-rarity-of elder-abuse-in-nigeria-a-misconception-or-reality-by-margaret-uddinojeahere/
[Accesssed Jul 30 2020].
World Health Organization, Mental health of older adults; 2017. Available at www.who.int
Moghadam K, Mansour-Ghanaei R, Esmaeilpour-Bandboni M, Atrkar-Roshan Z. Investigating the relationship between social support and quality of life in the elderly. J Educ Health Promot. 2020 Aug 31;9:215. DOI:https://doi.org/10.4103/JEHP.JEHP_149_20
Amarya S, Singh K, Sabharwal M. Changes during aging and their association with malnutrition. Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2015;6(3):78–84. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCGG.2015.05.003
Gallè F, Sabella EA, Roma P, Ferracuti S, Da Molin G, Diella G, Montagna MT, Orsi GB, Liguori G, Napoli C. Knowledge and lifestyle behaviors related to COVID-19 pandemic in people over 65 years old from Southern Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 16;18(20):10872. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010872
Martins Van Jaarsveld G. The Effects of COVID-19 Among the Elderly Population: A Case for Closing the Digital Divide. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 12;11:577427. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.577427
Li Y, Mutchler JE. Older Adults and the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Aging Soc Policy. 2020 Jul-Oct;32(4-5):477-487. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2020.1773191
Lee K, Jeong GC, Yim J. Consideration of the psychological and mental health of the elderly during COVID-19: A Theoretical Review; 2020. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218098
Das, Subhash, et al. Anxiety and depression in the elderly due to COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study. Middle East Current Psychiatry. 2021;28(1):1-6 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-021-00145-1
Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
Parlapani E, Holeva V, Nikopoulou VA, Sereslis K, Athanasiadou M, Godosidis A, Stephanou T, Diakogiannis I. Intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Aug 19;11:842. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00842
Vahia IV, Jeste DV, Reynolds CF 3rd. Older Adults and the Mental Health Effects of COVID-19. JAMA. 2020 Dec 8;324(22):2253-2254. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/JAMA.2020.21753
Inegbedion H. Impact of COVID-19 on economic growth in Nigeria: opinions and attitudes. Heliyon. 2021 May 6;7(5):e06943. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HELIYON.2021.E06943
Thurlow, James. COVID-19 lockdowns have imposed substantial economic costs on countries in Africa. IFPRI Book Chapters. 2020;23–25. Available:https://ideas.repec.org/h/fpr/ifpric/133835.html
Li D, Zhang DJ, Shao JJ, Qi XD, Tian L. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2014 Jan-Feb;58(1):1-9. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2013.07.016
Hwang TJ, Rabheru K, Peisah C, Reichman W, Ikeda M. Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Psychogeriatr. 2020 Oct;32(10):1217-1220. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220000988
Donovan NJ, Blazer D. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults: Review and commentary of a national academies report. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020 Dec;28(12):1233-1244. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JAGP.2020.08.005
MacLeod S, Tkatch R, Kraemer S, Fellows A, McGinn M, Schaeffer J, Yeh CS. COVID-19 Era social isolation among older adults. Geriatrics (Basel). 2021 May 18;6(2):52. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics6020052
Schulz R, Eden J. Adults C. on F. C. for O, Services, B. on H. C., Division, H. and M., & National Academies of Sciences, E. and M. Family Caregiving Roles and Impacts; 2016. Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK396398/
Niehaves B, Plattfaut R. What is the issue with internet acceptance among elderly citizens? Theory development and policy recommendations for inclusive E-government. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics). 2010;6228 LNCS:275–288. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14799-9_24/COVER
Akingbade O, Adediran V, Somoye IE, Alade AS, Chow KM. Perceived feasibility and usefulness of mHealth interventions for psychoeducational support among Nigerian women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer: a focus group study. Support Care Cancer. 2022 Dec;30(12): 9723-9734. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07403-w
Wildenbos GA, Peute L, Jaspers M. Aging barriers influencing mobile health usability for older adults: a literature-based framework (MOLD-US). Int J Med Inform. 2018;114:66–75. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2018.03.012
Akingbade O, Nguyen KT, Chow KM. Effect of mHealth interventions on psychological issues experienced by women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs. 2022 Sep 27. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16533
World Health Organisation. Ageing and health. [Internet]. 2022. [2023 Jan 30]. Available:https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health#:~:text=By%202030%2C%201%20in%206,will%20double%20(2.1%20billion)
Statista Research Department. Elderly persons in Nigeria 2018-2020. [Internet]. 2022. [cited 2023 Feb 1]. Available:https://www.statista.com/statistics/1260772/elderly-population-in-nigeria/
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Life expectancy at 65 (indicator). [Internet]. 2022. [cited 2023 Feb 1]. https://data.oecd.org/healthstat/life-expectancy-at-65.htm
Okondu OE, Abubakar K, Olatade MJ, Akingbade O, Adesuyi EO, Olugasa B, et al. Behavioural risk-factors associated with the use of Facemask during Covid-19 pandemic lockdown period in Nigeria: online-based survey. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa. 2022; 3(12):11. DOI:https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v3i12.221
Okondu OE, Akingbade O, Adesuyi E, Ayomide, AR, Maitanmi JO, Chukwuemeka UC, et al. Assessment of socio-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on households: A case study of households in Anambra State, Nigeria. African Journal of Medical and Health Sciences. 2021;20(12):156-164. Available:https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMHS/article-abstract/DAE0A3B68425
Atekoja OE, Oyewumi ZO, Jolayemi KI, Akingbade O. Assessment of knowledge, compliance and public response to preventive strategies of COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Region Nigeria. International Public Health Journal. 2021;13(3): 289-299. Available:https://www.proquest.com/docview/2594202907?pq-origsite=primo&parentSessionId=aqnWg%2Fzfo61KR3fCR%2FBk5ADjuFIigQeaf1esTYZ6Zgk%3D
Oyewumi ZO, Akingbade O, Afolalu OO, Adeyeye, SO, Jolayemi, KI, Atekoja OE. Compliance with standard precaution practices during the early phase of the covid-19 pandemic among nurses in Nigeria. Africa Journal of Nursing and Midwifery. 2021;1-17. DOI:https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-5293/12074
The Commonwealth Fund. The impact of covid 19 on older adults (September 2021) [Internet]. 2021. [2023 Jan 30]. Available:https://ssrs.com/commonwealth-fund-2021-international-health-policy-survey-of-older-adults/
Lebrasseur A, Fortin-Bédard N, Lettre J, Raymond E, Bussières EL, Lapierre N, Faieta J, Vincent C, Duchesne L, Ouellet MC, Gagnon E, Tourigny A, Lamontagne MÈ, Routhier F. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults: Rapid review. JMIR Aging. 2021 Apr 12;4(2):e26474. DOI: 10.2196/26474. PMID: 33720839; PMCID: PMC8043147. DOI:https://doi.org/10.2196/26474
Larson EA, Bader-Larsen KS, Magkos F. The effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on diet and physical activity in older adults: A systematic review. Aging Dis. 2021;12(8):1935–1947. DOI:https://doi.org/10.14336/AD.2021.0606
Afolalu OO, Atekoja OE, Oyewumi ZO, Adeyeye SO, Jolayemi KI, Akingbade O. Perceived impact of coronavirus pandemic on uptake of healthcare services in South West Nigeria. Pan Afr Med J. 2021 Sep 9;40:26. DOI:https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2021.40.26.2827
Asiazobor EF. Older people’s perception about COVID-19 directives and their impacts on family care and support for older people in Ile-Ife of south-western Nigeria. International Journal on Ageing in Developing Countries. 2021;6(1):34-54.
Available:https://inia.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6.1.3-Older-peoples-perception-about-COVID-19-directives-and-their-impacts-on-family-care-and-support-for-older-people-in-Ile-Ife-of-south-western-Nigeria.pdf
Amoo G, Ogundele AT, Olajide AO, Ighoroje MG, Oluwaranti AO, Onunka GC, Ladeinde AA, Folaji OG. Prevalence and pattern of psychiatric morbidity among community-dwelling elderly populations in Abeokuta, Nigeria. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2020 Nov;33(6):353-362 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/0891988719892327
Ojeahere MU. The rarity of elder abuse in Nigeria: a misconception or reality?”. Premium Times (14/03/2020).
Available:https://opinion.premiumtimesng.com/2020/03/14/the-rarity-of elder-abuse-in-nigeria-a-misconception-or-reality-by-margaret-uddinojeahere/
[Accesssed Jul 30 2020].
World Health Organization, Mental health of older adults; 2017. Available at www.who.int
Moghadam K, Mansour-Ghanaei R, Esmaeilpour-Bandboni M, Atrkar-Roshan Z. Investigating the relationship between social support and quality of life in the elderly. J Educ Health Promot. 2020 Aug 31;9:215. DOI:https://doi.org/10.4103/JEHP.JEHP_149_20
Amarya S, Singh K, Sabharwal M. Changes during aging and their association with malnutrition. Journal of Clinical Gerontology and Geriatrics. 2015;6(3):78–84. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCGG.2015.05.003
Gallè F, Sabella EA, Roma P, Ferracuti S, Da Molin G, Diella G, Montagna MT, Orsi GB, Liguori G, Napoli C. Knowledge and lifestyle behaviors related to COVID-19 pandemic in people over 65 years old from Southern Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 16;18(20):10872. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182010872
Martins Van Jaarsveld G. The Effects of COVID-19 Among the Elderly Population: A Case for Closing the Digital Divide. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 12;11:577427. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.577427
Li Y, Mutchler JE. Older Adults and the Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Aging Soc Policy. 2020 Jul-Oct;32(4-5):477-487. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2020.1773191
Lee K, Jeong GC, Yim J. Consideration of the psychological and mental health of the elderly during COVID-19: A Theoretical Review; 2020. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218098
Das, Subhash, et al. Anxiety and depression in the elderly due to COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study. Middle East Current Psychiatry. 2021;28(1):1-6 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-021-00145-1
Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.
Parlapani E, Holeva V, Nikopoulou VA, Sereslis K, Athanasiadou M, Godosidis A, Stephanou T, Diakogiannis I. Intolerance of uncertainty and loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Aug 19;11:842. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00842
Vahia IV, Jeste DV, Reynolds CF 3rd. Older Adults and the Mental Health Effects of COVID-19. JAMA. 2020 Dec 8;324(22):2253-2254. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/JAMA.2020.21753
Inegbedion H. Impact of COVID-19 on economic growth in Nigeria: opinions and attitudes. Heliyon. 2021 May 6;7(5):e06943. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.HELIYON.2021.E06943
Thurlow, James. COVID-19 lockdowns have imposed substantial economic costs on countries in Africa. IFPRI Book Chapters. 2020;23–25. Available:https://ideas.repec.org/h/fpr/ifpric/133835.html
Li D, Zhang DJ, Shao JJ, Qi XD, Tian L. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2014 Jan-Feb;58(1):1-9. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2013.07.016
Hwang TJ, Rabheru K, Peisah C, Reichman W, Ikeda M. Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Psychogeriatr. 2020 Oct;32(10):1217-1220. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610220000988
Donovan NJ, Blazer D. Social isolation and loneliness in older adults: Review and commentary of a national academies report. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2020 Dec;28(12):1233-1244. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JAGP.2020.08.005
MacLeod S, Tkatch R, Kraemer S, Fellows A, McGinn M, Schaeffer J, Yeh CS. COVID-19 Era social isolation among older adults. Geriatrics (Basel). 2021 May 18;6(2):52. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics6020052
Schulz R, Eden J. Adults C. on F. C. for O, Services, B. on H. C., Division, H. and M., & National Academies of Sciences, E. and M. Family Caregiving Roles and Impacts; 2016. Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK396398/
Niehaves B, Plattfaut R. What is the issue with internet acceptance among elderly citizens? Theory development and policy recommendations for inclusive E-government. Lecture Notes in Computer Science (Including Subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics). 2010;6228 LNCS:275–288. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14799-9_24/COVER
Akingbade O, Adediran V, Somoye IE, Alade AS, Chow KM. Perceived feasibility and usefulness of mHealth interventions for psychoeducational support among Nigerian women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer: a focus group study. Support Care Cancer. 2022 Dec;30(12): 9723-9734. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07403-w
Wildenbos GA, Peute L, Jaspers M. Aging barriers influencing mobile health usability for older adults: a literature-based framework (MOLD-US). Int J Med Inform. 2018;114:66–75. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2018.03.012
Akingbade O, Nguyen KT, Chow KM. Effect of mHealth interventions on psychological issues experienced by women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Nurs. 2022 Sep 27. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16533
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