New research from the University of Toronto has revealed the mental health toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), a painful condition in which gastric sores develop in the lining of the stomach or upper portion of the small intestine.
The researchers examined a subsample of older adults from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national dataset of older Canadians. The sample consisted of 1,140 older adults with PUD, of whom 689 had a pre-pandemic history of depression and 451 had no history of depression. By using longitudinal data, the researchers were able to compare the mental health trajectories of those with and without a history of depression. The article was published this week in PLOS ONE.
Among older adults with PUD and no lifetime history of depression, approximately 1 in 8 (13.0%) developed depression for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. These numbers were substantially higher when compared to depression levels before the pandemic (2015-2018).
This article explores research findings revealing the substantial mental health toll inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults living with peptic ulcer disease. The study investigates the psychosocial effects of the pandemic, emphasizing how the fear of infection, isolation, and disrupted healthcare access have contributed to elevated stress and mental health concerns among this vulnerable population. These findings underscore the necessity of addressing not only physical health but also the emotional well-being of older adults facing health challenges.
The article discusses the research’s significant discoveries, highlighting the increased anxiety and psychological distress experienced by older adults with peptic ulcer disease during the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of tailored mental health support and interventions to mitigate the pandemic’s adverse effects on this demographic.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or facing mental health challenges, RehabNear.Me is here to help. Call us at 855-339-1112, and our compassionate team will provide guidance and connect you with appropriate addiction treatment resources tailored to your unique needs. Taking the step towards seeking help can lead to a brighter and healthier future. Reach out today.
Research Reveals Mental Health Toll of COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults with Peptic Ulcer Disease https://t.co/tkpoJ22FYg #rehabnearme
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) November 1, 2023
