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

• DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02457-5
• Publication Date: 2023-03-25T08:02:53Z
• Authors: Tjalling J. Holwerda; Eva Jaarsma; Elisabeth M. van ...; Aartjan T. F. Bee...; Kuan-Yu Pan; Majogé van Vliet; Najada Stringa; Judith H. van den...; Janet L. MacNeil-...; Emiel O. Hoogendijk; Almar A. L. Kok
• Keywords: Pandemic; Longitudinal Study; Depression

Abstract Purpose Many studies report about risk factors associated with adverse changes in mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic while few protective and buffering factors, especially older adults. We present an observational study to assess against related Methods 899 adults (55 +) Netherlands were followed from 2018/19 two time points (June–October 2020 March–August 2021). Questionnaires included exposure pandemic-related adversities (“COVID-19 exposure”), depressive anxiety symptoms, loneliness, pre-pandemic functioning. Linear regression analyses estimated main effects of on changes; interaction tested identify factors. Results Compared pre-pandemic, depression symptoms loneliness increased. A higher score adversity index was stronger negative changes. Main effects: internet use high mastery decreased symptoms; a larger network female gender, size praying loneliness. vaccination buffered exposure-induced partner induced Conclusion Exposure had cumulative impact health. Improving coping, finding meaning, stimulating existing religious spiritual resources, interventions may enable maintain events large societal impact, yet these appear regardless specific adversities. positive effect