Depressive Symptoms of Centenarians during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Results of an Exploratory Study in Switzerland

Abstract

Introduction Depression is one of the most frequent mental health problems in older populations.1 To the best of our knowledge, the prevalence of depressive symptomatology (DS) among centenarians in Switzerland is unknown. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a negative impact. As part of the study SWISS1002, we intend to provide key information on centenarians’ levels of DS. Objectives To describe the DS of Switzerland’s centenarians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Randomly selected centenarians from across Switzerland and their proxy relatives were invited to participate. Data are collected via telephone. The questionnaire includes the assessment of DS via the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)– 5 items.3 Preliminary data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results Telephone interviews were completed with 51 centenarians, and for 19 of them, proxy relatives also answered. The MAge of the centenarians was 101.41 (1.47) years, 34 (66.67%) were female and 27 (52.94%) lived at home. The mean score of the GDS–5 was 1.32 (SD=1.49). Considering a cut-off ≥2, 18 (36%) centenarians were screened positive for possible depression. Descriptive statistics indicated effects of gender (men: M=1.41, SD=1.46; women: M=1.27, SD=1.53) and living situation (private: M=1.07, SD=1.36; institution: M=1.61, SD=1.62). Centenarians’ and proxy reports were significantly related (ρ=0.56; p<.05). Conclusions Clinically relevant DS are highly prevalent among centenarians during the COVID-19 pandemic (36%), which is consistent with a recent study4 reporting a prevalence of 32% in a sample of younger older adults (MAge: 77.6, SD=6.9). To conclude, DS in centenarians should be screened systematically, especially in this time of unprecedented health crisis. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• depressive symptoms
• Covid-19
• centenarians