The social, medical, emotional, and spiritual impact of confinement due to COVID-19 in older people

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine if confinement for COVID-19 has an impact on social, medical, emotional, and spiritual aspects in older people. Methods: A cross-sectional study, from September to October 2020 in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, including a total of 247 older people ≥ 60 years old that attend a Geriatric Clinic. Data were recollected by telephone, documenting demographic data, experiences with COVID-19, and telehealth consultation. Participants were classified in confined and nonconfined group. Results: Of 247 participants, 20.6% were in the non-confined group and 79.4% were in the confined group. The mean age was 71.9 ± 8.2 years. Females (59%, p = 0.01) are more confined and those living alone (10.5%, p = 0.001) were less confined. Non-confined group consulted in less proportion (80.4%, p < 0.001). Confined participants were more satisfied with telehealth consultation (87.2%, p < 0.001). In the emotional aspect were no significant differences in depression scores (78.1%, p=0.83). Daily non-organizational religious activities (NORAs) were used to cope with confinement (67%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: In our study, confinement for COVID-19 had its main impact on the medical aspect, while little impact was identified on the social, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Originality: This is the first study in Mexico that evaluates various aspects, mainly the spiritual in older people during confinement.

Keywords

• Older people. Confinement. COVID-19. Telehealth.