Cognitive and psychosocial effects of COVID-19 among older adults in Brazil

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

COVID-19 disproportionately affected older adults, with territorial and sociodemographic factors shaping outcomes. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study analyzed 674 adults aged ≥60 years from Inúbia Paulista and Ribeirão Preto (Brazil) between September and December 2022. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, the Lawton & Brody Index, and a validated instrument on cognitive and psychosocial effects of confinement. Analyses included descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Participants had median ages of 67 and 69 years, predominantly women, and ~70% reported chronic diseases. COVID-19 infection affected 38.9% and 33.1%, with vaccination coverage >84%. Functional independence was high for instrumental activities, though about half showed dependence. Cognitive impairment was higher in Inúbia Paulista, while psychosocial distress predominated in Ribeirão Preto. Women and those with chronic diseases or functional dependence showed worse outcomes. Findings highlight territorial differences, underscoring the need for context-sensitive interventions for older adults.