Impacts of the Depression among the Elderly in the South Korea Community in COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine factors influencing on depression among elderlies of activity of daily living, participation of social activity, loneliness, stress in COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The research design for this study was a descriptive survey using convenience sampling. Data collection was done using self-report questionnaire of 142 elderlies in D city and K province. Collected data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, step-wise multiple regression. Results: Total mean scores of activity of daily living was 3.66 ± 0.52, total mean scores of participation of social activity was 2.77 ± 0.58, total mean scores of loneliness was 2.09 ± 0.43 and total mean scores of participation of depression was 9.97 ± 4.45. Depression was showed significantly positive correlation with loneliness (r = 0.67, p< 0.001), stress (r = 0.10, p= 0.260). Depression was showed significantly negative correlation with activity of daily living (r = -0.49, p< 0.001), participation of social activity (r = -0.54, p< 0.001). In the step-wise multiple regression analysis, loneliness, activity of daily living were significant predictors and explained 54% of depression. Loneliness was the biggest predictor of depression. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that loneliness and activity of daily living are significant factors affecting the depression of elderlies in the South Korea community in COVID-19 pandemic.