Effects of changes in daily living activities and perceived social support on depression among community-dwelling elderly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic*

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of changes in daily living activities and perceived social support on depression among community-dwelling older adults. The present research is the secondary analysis study based on a cross-sectional 2020 Community Health Survey. The sample consisted of older adults (n=50,256) aged 65 years or older. The differences in level of depression and relationship of changes in daily living activities during COVID-19 pandemic and perceived social support with depression in elderly were assessed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis. The main findings were that the decrease in indoor and outdoor physical activities (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.17-1.46), reduced sleep time (OR=2.29, 95% CI=1.97-2.66), increased sleep time (OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.13-1.66), and absence of perceived social support (OR=1.60, 95% CI=1.23-2.08) were significantly associated with depression in elderly. Given the potential outbreak of another infectious disease in the near future, the findings of this study highlight the interest in mental well-being and need for prevention and intervention services for depression, especially in community-dwelling elderly.