Knowledge and Mental Health Needs of the Elderly during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a South-Western Private University in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak, and related public health initiatives have disrupted the lives of many people worldwide. Evidently, the COVID-19 pandemic has produced detrimental social and psychological impact on the mental health of the vast populations especially the elderly. . This study sought to assess the knowledge resources and mental health needs of the elderly emerging from COVID-19 Pandemic of the elderly population at Babcock University in Southwest Nigeria. Methods: A total of 196 consenting elders resident at Babcock University were enrolled in an online survey at Babcock University to assess the mental health needs of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypotheses were tested using bivariate analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Results:  Majority [104 (58.4%)] of the elderly respondents are between the age bracket 60-64 and [51 (28.7%)] for the age bracket 65-74 years old. The respondents' top four needs during the pandemic are financial aid [108 (60.7%)], social support [41 (23.0%)], the presence of a caregiver [24 (13.5%)], and housing [5 (2.8%)]. The respondents' social condition might be summarized as follows: minimal social interaction with others, leaving them socially isolated [61 (34.3%)] and insufficient social contact with others [53 (29.8%)]. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and emotional state during the pandemic (p <0.05). Conclusion/Recommendation: Given the respondents' emotional state and other mental health problems that come with age, this study has supplied information about potential services that the elderly may find valuable. Government organizations and other partners should design planned interventions for the elderly throughout this period of life.