Frequency of Symptoms Related to Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Older Adults who Presented with COVID-19 Illness in a Family Medicine Unit in Mexicali, Baja California. Mexico

Abstract

Objective: Determine the frequency of symptoms related to depression, anxiety and stress in older adults who had COVID-19 disease. Method: Cross-sectional study in older adults who had COVID-19 disease and assigned to the Family Medicine Unit No.16 of the city of Mexicali, Baja California of the Mexican Social Security Institute. 60 patients were included through non-probabilistic quota sampling in the period from January to March 2022. The DASS-21 scale was applied to evaluate states of depression, anxiety and stress. Results: The female sex predominated with 55%, the average age between 60 to 65 years. The frequency of depression was 5.71%, anxiety 10% and stress 9.76%. Conclusions: Low levels according to the DASS-21 test predominated. Emotional problems are frequent in older adults who suffer from COVID-19, so they should be detected early.