Evaluation of the impact level of coronavirus and occupational balance in geriatric individuals with and without a history of COVID-19

Abstract

This study aims to compare the impact of coronavirus and occupational balance levels while exploring the relationship between these two factors in geriatric individuals, both with and without a history of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A total of 102 geriatric individuals (51 with a history of COVID-19, 51 without a history of COVID-19) between the ages of 65-75 with a mean age of 68.60±2.51 participated in the study. The levels of impact of geriatric individuals to coronavirus were evaluated with the Coronavirus Impact Scale and their occupational balance was evaluated with the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the Coronavirus Impact Scale and OBQ results (p<0.05). It was found that geriatric individuals with a history of COVID-19 were more negatively affected by the coronavirus outbreak and had worse occupational balance than geriatric individuals without a history of COVID-19. In the study, a statistically significant relationship was found between the coronavirus impact scale and occupational balance results in geriatric individuals in both groups (p<0.05). It was concluded that the occupational balance of geriatric individuals deteriorated with the increase in the level of being affected by the coronavirus outbreak in both groups. To reduce the effects of pandemics and diseases, plans should be made to ensure the continuity of activity routines to support the healthy aging process of geriatric individuals. In collaboration with healthcare professionals, central and local governments, associations, foundations, and non-governmental organizations, community-based rehabilitation programs aimed at enhancing activity spaces for geriatric individuals should be implemented.