Impacto psicológico de la pandemia por COVID-19 en adultos mayores de Argentina

Abstract

El objetivo fue evaluar las variables psicológicas en adultos mayores de Argentina durante la pandemia por COVID-19, e identificar predictores psicológicos del miedo a la COVID-19. Participaron 198 adultos mayores de Rosario, Argentina (Medad= 66.6 años, DE=4,8). Se aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos: Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Medical Outcomes Study- Social SupportSurvey, Purpose in life Test y Fear of COVID-19 Scale. El 25.1% y el 19.1% presentaron diagnóstico potencial de trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y episodio depresivo mayor, respectivamente, el 71.4% suficiente apoyo social y el 40.8% propósito de vida indefinido. El miedo a la COVID-19 presentó correlación negativa con propósito de vida y apoyo social, y correlación positiva, con ansiedad y depresión. El propósito de vida predijo el miedo a la COVID-19 (β =-.229, t =-3.38, p =.001). Se requieren políticas estatales para mitigar y contener los efectos subjetivos del aislamiento en población mayor.The objective was to evaluate the psychological variables of older adults in Argentina during COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify psychological predictors of fear of COVID-19. 198 older adults from Rosario, Argentina participated (Mage= 66.6 years old, SD = 4.8). The tests and questionaries used consisted of The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, The Patient Health Questionnaire9, Medical Outcomes Study- Social Support Survey, Purpose in life Test and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. 25.1% and 19.1% of the population presented a potential diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Episode (MDE), respectively, 71.4% enough social support, and 40.8% indefinite life purpose. Fear of COVID-19 presented a negative correlation with life purpose and social support, and positive correlation with anxiety and depression. Life purpose predicted fear of COVID-19 (β = -.229, t = -3.38, p = .001). State policies are required to mitigate and restrain isolation subjective effects in older population.