Evaluation of the relationship between the geriatric anxiety and COVID-19 anxiety and fear levels in geriatric dental patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Illness, social isolation and loneliness may cause different psychological problems in the geriatric population, including depression and anxiety. Factors such as anxiety and fear can negatively affect dental treatment processes and prognoses. Thus, in terms of dental approach to geriatric individuals, it is important to be aware of the emotional processes the elderly may have experienced during the pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the geriatric anxiety levels and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) anxiety and fear levels in the geriatric population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this correlational study, 129 geriatric individuals were selected through the convenience sampling method. To gather the data, the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS), the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS), the COVID-19 Fear Scale (CFS), and a questionnaire assessing demographic variables were used. Simple linear regression and Pearson's correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationships between the variables.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 70.5% males and 29.5% females aged ≥65 years. The GAS total score (15.64 ±9.34) and its 3 subscale scores were strongly correlated with the CAS and CFS scores. The GAS total score and its subscale scores had a significant linear regression with both the CAS and CFS scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the anxiety and fear levels associated with the pandemic was observed in geriatric individuals. Thus, it should be considered that geriatric individuals may encounter some difficulties during dental treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation after the pandemic. Therefore, it is important to normalize the anxiety levels with the help of professionals, and to implement interventions such as socialization, physical activity and meditation to help balance the anxiety levels.