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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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Open Access 25-03-2023 | Mood Disorders | Original Paper

The impact of COVID-19 related adversity on the course of mental health during the pandemic and the role of protective factors: a longitudinal study among older adults in The Netherlands

Authors: Tjalling J. Holwerda, Eva Jaarsma, Elisabeth M. van Zutphen, Aartjan T. F. Beekman, Kuan-Yu Pan, Majogé van Vliet, Najada Stringa, Judith H. van den Besselaar, Janet L. MacNeil-Vroomen, Emiel O. Hoogendijk, Almar A. L. Kok

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 7/2023

Abstract

Purpose

Many studies report about risk factors associated with adverse changes in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic while few studies report about protective and buffering factors, especially in older adults. We present an observational study to assess protective and buffering factors against COVID-19 related adverse mental health changes in older adults.

Methods

899 older adults (55 +) in the Netherlands were followed from 2018/19 to two pandemic time points (June–October 2020 and March–August 2021). Questionnaires included exposure to pandemic-related adversities (“COVID-19 exposure”), depressive and anxiety symptoms, loneliness, and pre-pandemic functioning. Linear regression analyses estimated main effects of COVID-19 exposure and protective factors on mental health changes; interaction effects were tested to identify buffering factors.

Results

Compared to pre-pandemic, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms and loneliness increased. A higher score on the COVID-19 adversity index was associated with stronger negative mental health changes. Main effects: internet use and high mastery decreased depressive symptoms; a larger network decreased anxiety symptoms; female gender, larger network size and praying decreased loneliness. COVID-19 vaccination buffered against COVID-19 exposure-induced anxiety and loneliness, a partner buffered against COVID-19 exposure induced loneliness.

Conclusion

Exposure to COVID-19 adversity had a cumulative negative impact on mental health. Improving coping, finding meaning, stimulating existing religious and spiritual resources, network interventions and stimulating internet use may enable older adults to maintain mental health during events with large societal impact, yet these factors appear protective regardless of exposure to specific adversities. COVID-19 vaccination had a positive effect on mental health.

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Title: The impact of COVID-19 related adversity on the course of mental health during the pandemic and the role of protective factors: a longitudinal study among older adults in The Netherlands
Authors: Tjalling J. Holwerda
Eva Jaarsma
Elisabeth M. van Zutphen
Aartjan T. F. Beekman
Kuan-Yu Pan
Majogé van Vliet
Najada Stringa
Judith H. van den Besselaar
Janet L. MacNeil-Vroomen
Emiel O. Hoogendijk
Almar A. L. Kok
Publication date: 25-03-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Anxiety
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 7/2023
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-023-02457-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The impact of COVID-19 related adversity on the course of mental health during the pandemic and the role of protective factors: a longitudinal study among older adults in The Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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