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Ageing and psychological response during the post-SARS period
T M C Lee1, I Chi, L W M Chung
1Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong. tmclee@hkusua.hku.hk
Aging & Mental Health
|June 17, 2006
Summary
Living in areas with more Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) cases increased psychological distress, especially in older adults. Mental health support is crucial after epidemics.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak caused significant psychological distress.
- Understanding risk factors for post-traumatic disturbance is essential for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological impact of the SARS outbreak.
- To determine if age and residential location are risk factors for post-traumatic disturbance (intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 146 volunteers across four groups based on age (middle-aged vs. older-aged) and SARS prevalence in their region (high vs. low).
- Psychological impact was assessed, controlling for depression.
Main Results:
- Residents in high SARS-prevalent regions experienced more intense post-traumatic disturbance, irrespective of age.
- Probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was more prevalent in older individuals and those from SARS-prevalent regions.
Conclusions:
- Residential location during an epidemic is a significant risk factor for post-traumatic disturbance.
- Older age is also associated with a higher prevalence of probable PTSD after an epidemic.
- Mental health aftercare is vital in the post-epidemic phase of infectious disease outbreaks.
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