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Perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among Nepalese older adults in eastern Nepal: A cross-sectional study

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Listed:
  • Uday Narayan Yadav
  • Om Prakash Yadav
  • Devendra Raj Singh
  • Saruna Ghimire
  • Binod Rayamajhee
  • Sabuj Kanti Mistry
  • Lal Bahadur Rawal
  • ARM Mehrab Ali
  • Man Kumar Tamang
  • Suresh Mehta

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all age groups worldwide, but older adults have been affected greatly with an increased risk of severe illness and mortality. Nepal is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. The normal life of older adults, one of the vulnerable populations to COVID-19 infection, has been primarily impacted. The current evidence shows that the COVID-19 virus strains are deadly, and non-compliance to standard protocols can have serious consequences, increasing fear among older adults. This study assessed the perceived fear of COVID-19 and associated factors among older adults in eastern Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 among 847 older adults (≥60 years) residing in three districts of eastern Nepal. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Multivariate logistic regression identified the factors associated with COVID-19 fear. Results: The mean score of the FCV-19S was 18.1 (SD = 5.2), and a sizeable proportion of older adults, ranging between 12%-34%, agreed with the seven items of the fear scale. Increasing age, Dalit ethnicity, remoteness to the health facility, and being concerned or overwhelmed with the COVID-19 were associated with greater fear of COVID-19. In contrast, preexisting health conditions were inversely associated with fear. Conclusion: Greater fear of the COVID-19 among the older adults in eastern Nepal suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of older adults should be prioritized. Establishing and integrating community-level mental health support as a part of the COVID-19 preparedness and response plan might help to combat COVID-19 fear among them.

Suggested Citation

  • Uday Narayan Yadav & Om Prakash Yadav & Devendra Raj Singh & Saruna Ghimire & Binod Rayamajhee & Sabuj Kanti Mistry & Lal Bahadur Rawal & ARM Mehrab Ali & Man Kumar Tamang & Suresh Mehta, 2021. "Perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among Nepalese older adults in eastern Nepal: A cross-sectional study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(7), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0254825
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254825
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marie-Christine Payette & Claude Bélanger & Vanessa Léveillé & Sébastien Grenier, 2016. "Fall-Related Psychological Concerns and Anxiety among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(4), pages 1-17, April.
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