COVID-19 Pandemisi Sürecinde 65 Yaş Üstü Bireylerin Bakım Gereksinimlerinin Belirlenmesi: Nitel Çalışma

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the care needs of individuals over 65 during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Material and Methods: The study was carried out phenomenologically with a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. It was conducted with 15 individuals over 65 living in various geographical regions in Türkiye. The data were collected through phone interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Results: The sociodemographic data of the individuals demonstrated that eight participants were male and seven were female. The mean age was 71.4±6.25 (minimum-maximum, 65-82). Ten of them were single, seven were 65-70 years old, and ten were retired. Eleven of them were primary school graduates. All individuals over the age of sixty-five have health insurance. In addition, 14 of the individuals have chronic physical illness and 2 have chronic mental illness. In this study, the findings of COVID-19 were analyzed and it is divided into 2 categories as properties and unmet needs. In the category of characteristics of COVID-19, perceived characteristics, experienced while results and management/coping styles were the determined themes, physical, psychological, social, and information themes were the themes identified in the unmet needs category. Over the age of 65 in the process of the COVID-19 pandemic shopping, paying the bills and walking codes are in the first place on the theme of physically unmet needs of individuals, while reputation and independence codes are in the first place on the theme of spiritually unmet side needs has been identified. Finally, the codes of not being able to communicate with loved ones and participate in the community were included in the socially unmet needs. Conclusion: The study revealed that individuals over 65 need support to improve their quality of care during the pandemic. They found COVID-19 deadly and dangerous, and they experienced anxiety and fear during this period. They had difficulties in activities such as shopping, paying the bills, and taking medicine, and their needs are met by others. They experienced problems about independence, dignity, lack of satisfaction of love needs, and limited communication with loved ones, leading to disruptions in the quality of life.