Perceived Fear of COVID-19 and its Associated Factors Among Nepalese Older Adults in Eastern Nepal: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted all age groups, but older adults may have greater distress given their increased risk for severe illness and mortality. In Nepal, most stories of older adults are untold ̶ both in pre-COVID-19 and the COVID-19 era. In this study, we aimed to assess the perceived fear of COVID-19, and associated factors, among older adults in eastern Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2020 among 847 older adults (≥60 years) residing in three districts of eastern Nepal. Perceived fear of COVID-19 was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). In order to examine the factors associated with the COVID 19 fear, a generalized estimating equation, adjusting the sampling design was used. STATA 15 and JASP 0.13.1 were used for data analyses.ResultsThe mean score of the FCV-19S was 18.1±5.2, and a sizeable proportion of participants, ranging between 12%-34%, agreed to the seven items of the fear scale. Increasing age, Dalit ethnicity remoteness to the health facility, and being concerned or overwhelmed with the COVID-19 were associated with greater fear of COVID-19. Surprisingly, pre-existing health conditions were inversely associated with fear of COVID-19.ConclusionGreater fear of the COVID-19 pandemic among the older population suggests that during unprecedented times such as the current pandemic, the psychological needs of most vulnerable groups should be prioritized. Fear among the most vulnerable groups could be reduced with the flow of adequate genuine information as well as better preparedness and psychosocial interventions.