Anxiety, Depression, and Other Factors Associated With Voice Handicaps in Active Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Older adults experiencing trait anxiety during COVID-19 isolation were five times more likely to have voice handicap. Advanced age also increased voice handicap risk, highlighting the impact of pandemic-related stress on senior communication.
Area Of Science
- Gerontology
- Speech and Communication Disorders
- Mental Health
Background
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated isolation for older adults, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and voice/communication issues.
- Understanding factors influencing voice handicap in seniors during public health crises is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the impact of anxiety, depression, and other factors on the voice handicap of active older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify specific demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle correlates of voice handicap in this population.
Main Methods
- A cross-sectional study involving 91 active older adults in Recife, Brazil.
- Data collection included interviews for demographic/lifestyle factors and validated questionnaires for mental health (Self-Reporting Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale) and voice handicap (Voice Handicap Index).
- Statistical analyses employed descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square, Wald tests, and binary/multivariate logistic regression.
Main Results
- A significant association was found between higher trait anxiety and increased voice handicap (Odds Ratio = 5.151, P=0.031).
- Advanced age was also associated with a greater likelihood of voice handicap (Odds Ratio = 1.100, P=0.036).
- Over half (54.9%) of the participants did not report voice handicaps.
Conclusions
- Trait anxiety and advanced age are significant factors associated with voice handicap in active older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The findings underscore the psychological impact of pandemic-related isolation on the communication abilities of seniors.
- Interventions addressing anxiety may be beneficial in mitigating voice handicap among older populations during health crises.
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