COVID-19: Factors Predicting Depressive Symptoms in People Aging With Long-Term Physical Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Research
• Disability Studies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound mental health impact, potentially exceeding that of the viral infection itself.
• Disadvantaged groups, including people with long-term physical disabilities (PwLTPD), are disproportionately affected by such public health crises.
• Understanding the specific mental health challenges faced by PwLTPD during the pandemic is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors associated with depressive symptoms in PwLTPD during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To determine the relative importance of various psychosocial and demographic factors in predicting depressive symptoms within this population.
• To inform occupational therapy practitioners on evidence-based interventions for mitigating depression in PwLTPD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Multiple linear regression analysis was used to model depressive symptoms.
• Key variables included anxiety, loneliness, financial stress, prior depression diagnosis, and race.

Main Results:

• The multiple linear regression model explained 58% of the variance in depressive symptoms among PwLTPD.
• Anxiety emerged as the most significant predictor, accounting for 8% of the variance.
• Higher levels of anxiety, loneliness, financial stress, a prior diagnosis of depression, and non-Black race were associated with increased depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated depressive symptoms in PwLTPD, with anxiety being a primary driver.
• Occupational therapy practitioners must address modifiable predictors like anxiety and loneliness while acknowledging unmodifiable factors.
• Evidence-based interventions are essential for improving mental health outcomes and reducing depressive symptoms in PwLTPD during public health emergencies.