Elderly individuals living by themselves: knowledge and measures to prevent the novel coronavirus

Authors

  • Darlene Mara dos Santos Tavares Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Enfermagem em Educação e Saúde Comunitária, Uberaba, MG, Brasil; Bolsista do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Brasil. http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9565-0476
  • Nayara Gomes Nunes Oliveira Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4170-8761
  • Gianna Fiori Marchiori Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil. http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6363-0059
  • Mariana Silva Freitas Guimarães Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil; Bolsista da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brasil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1267-5112
  • Lenniara Pereira Mendes Santana Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brasil; Bolsista da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brasil. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1576-2342

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.4675.3383

Keywords:

Aged, Health of the Elderly, Aging, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Coronavirus Infections, Geriatric Nursing

Abstract

Objective: to describe the occurrence of COVID-19 and the health services used by elderly individuals living by themselves; identify the knowledge held by elderly individuals regarding the transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, as well as factors associated with poor knowledge of preventive measures according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. Method: cross-sectional survey conducted by telephone or mobile with 123 elderly individuals living by themselves in the Health Macro-Region of Triângulo Sul in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Descriptive analysis was performed along with bivariate and multiple linear regression (p<0.05). Results: most elderly individuals did not present COVID-19 signs and symptoms (97.5%), were aware of how it is transmitted (86.6%), and of its signs and symptoms (90.8%). The elderly individuals were familiar with four preventive measures on average. After social distancing began, 85.7% of them left home and implemented three preventive measures on average, the most frequent of which was the use of face masks (99.0%). Being a man (p=0.001), 80 years old or older (p=0.045), and having fewer years of schooling (p=0.010) were associated with having less knowledge regarding the COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: the elderly individuals were knowledgeable on COVID-19, but did not implement all the preventive measures. Male elderly individuals living by themselves with a low educational level are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

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Published

2020-11-06

Issue

Vol. 28 (2020)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2020 Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem

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How to Cite

Elderly individuals living by themselves: knowledge and measures to prevent the novel coronavirus. (2020). Revista Latino-Americana De Enfermagem, 28, e3383. https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.4675.3383