Mediating effect of social support between COVID-19 stress on the mental health of older adults using customized care services: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study examined the mediating effects of social support on the relationship between COVID-19 stress and the mental health of older adults using customized care services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 179 older adults receiving services at two senior welfare centers in Korea. Data were collected from April 1 to 30, 2022, using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and correlations, multiple regression using Baron and Kenny steps for mediation, with the SPSS 22.0 program. Results: The COVID-19 stress of the study participants was significantly correlated with social support (r=-.16, p<.001) and mental health (r=.30, p<.001). Social support showed partial mediating effects in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental health (Z=-3.43, p<.001). Conclusion: These findings indicated that mental health programs could improve community social support resources for older adults in vulnerable groups after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the nursing practice, community nurses suggest the development of programs that can be operated in the community by proposing governmental policies for the mental health management of vulnerable older adults in the blind spot.