Characterization of depression in older adults treated in post - covid consultation

Abstract

Introduction:

In COVID-19 pandemics, elderly adults have been a center of care worldwide, because it is the group of highest risk, mortality and vulnerability at the appearance of negative emotions.

Objective:

To characterize depression in elderly adults assisted at post-COVID-19 consultation.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional quanti-qualitative study was carried out from November, 2021 to February, 2022. The universe was formed by 133 patients who were admitted to ¨Leopoldito Martínez¨ Hospital during the pandemic; who were assisted at the post- COVID-19 consultation by a multidisciplinary medical team, at ¨Dr. Santiago Rafael Echezarreta Mulkay¨ University Policlinic. For the selection of the sample, a non- probabilistic intentional by criteria, sampling was used, and it was finally formed by 80 patients between 60 and 80 years old. The studied variables were depression and elderly adult. The techniques for collecting the information were: observation, semistructured interview and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Test. The results were presented in tables.

Results:

The 100 % of the elderly adults presented associate comorbidities. The accompanied elderly adults in 73.75 %, married in a 60 %, and with working association, 56.25 % prevailed. The severe level of depression in a 52.5 %, in the female sex in a 55 % and in ages from 72 to 77 years old with a 17.5 % prevailed.

Conclusions:

It is evident that there are severe depression levels in the post -COVID-19 elderly adults, in the ages between 72 and 77 years old.