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Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Status and Quality of Life among Participants of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) Study

Aravindhan K 1 , Morgan K 2 , Mat S 3 , Hamid TA 4 , Ibrahim R 4 , Saedon NI 1 Show all authors , Hasmuk K 5 , Mahadzir H 6 , Tan MP 1

Affiliations 

  • 1 Ageing and Age-Associated Disorders Research Group, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 2 Perdana University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (PU-RCSI) School of Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3 Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Physiotherapy Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 4 Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 5 Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 6 Geriatric Unit, Department of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ann Geriatr Med Res, 2022 Dec;26(4):354-362.
PMID: 36503184 DOI: 10.4235/agmr.22.0134

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify differences in quality of life before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and determine the influence of psychological status on the observed changes in the quality of life among older adults.

METHODS: The Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research study recruited Malaysians aged at least 55 years from 2013 to 2015. Follow-ups were conducted between September and December 2020. Quality of life was determined using the 12-item Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure questionnaire. Psychological statuses were assessed using the 21-item Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, and 4-item Perceived Stress Scale.

RESULTS: This study included data from 706 individuals (mean age, 73.3±6.8 years). We observed reduced quality of life and increased anxiety among 402 (43.1%) and 144 (20.9%) participants, respectively. Participants felt "out of control," "left out," "short of money," and "life was full of opportunities" less often and could "please themselves with what they did" more often. Multivariate analyses revealed increased depression, anxiety, and stress as independent risk factors for reduced quality of life.

CONCLUSION: Individuals with increased depression, anxiety, and stress levels during the pandemic experienced a worsening quality of life. Thus, the development of effective strategies to address the mental health of older adults is needed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on their quality of life.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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