Knowledge and Lifestyle Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Pandemic in People over 65 Years Old from Southern Italy.

Francesca Gallè,Elita Anna Sabella,Giovanni Battista Orsi,Christian Napoli,Maria Teresa Montagna,Giusy Diella,Giorgio Liguori,Giovanna Da Molin,Stefano Ferracuti,Paolo Roma

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010872

Abstract

Background: Control measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on human daily life and lifestyles. Adherence to the recommended measures is influenced by knowledge and attitudes towards the disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding COVID-19, the related control measures, and lifestyle behaviors adopted during the pandemic in a sample of elderly Italian people. Methods: A web-based questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19, the related preventive measures, and lifestyle changes that occurred during the pandemic, were distributed to ≥65 years old people living in South Italy. Results: A satisfactory level of knowledge about COVID-19 and the related control measures has been found in the enrolled sample. However, a decrease in physical activity, as well as worsening sleeping and dietary habits, were found in roughly 60% of participants. Females were impacted greater by these lifestyle changes. Conclusions: Participants in this study showed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and its prevention. Nevertheless, they reported an increase in unhealthy habits that may have important health consequences in the long term and should be addressed by public health interventions targeted at older people.

Highlights

During the first months of 2020, a novel coronavirus, previously detected in China, arrived in Italy, causing a severe acute respiratory disease (SARS-CoV-2) [1]
Our study found a satisfactory level of knowledge about COVID-19, and related control measures, in the sample of the Italian elderly examined
Older adults who participated in this study showed a good level of knowledge about

Summary

Introduction

During the first months of 2020, a novel coronavirus, previously detected in China, arrived in Italy, causing a severe acute respiratory disease (SARS-CoV-2) [1]. The virus spread rapidly across the country in consecutive waves, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths [1,2], with an uneven impact throughout the regions of Italy, especially during the first wave [3]. Northern regions saw a higher infection rate Older adults were the main victims, and a correlation between mortality in older adults and the number of people hosted in long-term care facilities has been observed [3]. The incidence rate of COVID-19, outlined above, does not fully explain the differences in mortality among older adults in different regions.

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion