IMPACTOS DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19 NA SAÚDE MENTAL DOS IDOSOS

OBJECTIVE: Covid-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 began in Wuhan, China and in a short time spread across the world, becoming a pandemic. With this problematization, several governments adopted policies such as social isolation in an effort to reduce infection rates, and limiting the spread of the disease, especially in populations at greater risk, such as older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of older adults. METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical observational study was carried out, with a population of older adults (over 65 years old), from the city of São Paulo - SP, Brazil; through an online questionnaire (Google Forms®) guided by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ- 9), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), and the Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI). In the statistical analysis, the Mann Whitney test was used, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: A total of 208 older people answered the questionnaire, 33% men and 67% women, of whom 30% lived alone. There was a statistically significant association between sex and feeling alone (p= 0.015) and in considering that professional help, even if virtual, would minimize the effects of social isolation (p=0.030), with evidence of this relationship among women. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the older population deserves attention with regard to mental health care during the pandemic, due to the consequences of social isolation. It is inferred that older adults have a critical sense of their own mental health, signaling the need for social and clinical assistance.