맞춤돌봄서비스 이용 노인의 코로나19 스트레스와 정신건강 간의 관계에서 사회적 지지의 매개효과: 횡단적 연구

TLDR

It is indicated that mental health programs could improve community social support resources for older adults in vulnerable groups after the COVID-19 pandemic and in the nursing practice, community nurses suggest the development of programs that can be operated in the community.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the mediating effects of social support on the relationship between COVID-19 stress and the mental health of older adults using customized care services.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 179 older adults receiving services at two senior welfare centers in Korea. Data were collected from April 1 to 30, 2022, using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and correlations, multiple regression using Baron and Kenny steps for mediation, with the SPSS 22.0 program.

Results

The COVID-19 stress of the study participants was significantly correlated with social support (r=-.16, p<.001) and mental health (r=.30, p<.001). Social support showed partial mediating effects in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental health (Z=-3.43, p<.001).

Conclusion

These findings indicated that mental health programs could improve community social support resources for older adults in vulnerable groups after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the nursing practice, community nurses suggest the development of programs that can be operated in the community by proposing governmental policies for the mental health management of vulnerable older adults in the blind spot.