Relationship between social exclusion and anxiety in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aims to determine the relationship between social exclusion and anxiety in older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This descriptive research was conducted with individuals aged ≥65 years who were registered with Family Health Centers between July and September 2021. The sample size was calculated using a sampling method with an unknown population and was determined as 400 individuals; a random sampling method was utilized for selecting the participants. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Social Exclusion Scale in the Elderly and the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory.

Social exclusion level was found to be significantly higher in those who were illiterate who were single/widowed, who lived in rural areas, who reportedly had a low income, who had a chronic disease, who used an assistive device and who perceived their health as bad (P < 0.05). The geriatric anxiety level was found to be significantly higher in those who had an education level of university and above, who were married, who lived with their spouse and children, who worked, who had a good income, who lived in urban areas, who did not use an assistive device, who were dependent in their daily activities, who did not have a chronic disease, who perceived their health condition as good, and who did exercises regularly (P < 0.05).

This study found a negative and significant relationship between the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and the Social Exclusion Scale. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 240-245.