Psychological Symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Community-Dwelling Older People in Oman and Associated Risk Factors.

The negative psychological effects of COVID-19 were high among the older population in Oman. In this study, female gender, chronic illnesses, living alone, and having a family member or a friend with COVID-19 were associated with worse COVID-19 psychological symptoms. Older women were affected by COVID-19 more than older men. In addition, those who had chronic illnesses, lived alone, or had a family member or a friend with COVID-19 were more psychologically burdened by the pandemic than those without those characteristics. Particular attention should be given to older adults who have chronic illnesses, live alone, or have a family member or a friend with COVID-19. Support groups and psychological counseling programs are essential for older people during a pandemic.