Mitigation of COVID-19 risk among older adults in nursing homes: A public survey
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2021
Abstract
The current study examines the public's perception on the mitigation of COVID-19 risk and knowledge of disease symptoms among older adults in nursing homes, with the intention to address gaps in knowledge using mobile technologies. An online survey questionnaire was completed by 611 adults residing in Malaysia. The four domains, derived from factor analysis, affirmed the supportive perception among the public (score range = 4.42 to 4.64/5.0). However, among the gaps identified were the perception toward hand sanitizing and susceptibility of older adults to COVID-19. Public knowledge on symptoms of COVID-19 was limited (e.g., 41.4% to 53.4% incorrect responses to anosmia, diarrhea, confusion). Multivariate analysis of variance found that males and participants with less education had significantly lower supportive perceptions (p < 0.05). With > 86% of participants having access to internet communication technology, mobile interventions tailored to gender and educational level are recommended to promote long-term pandemic preparedness among stakeholders and the public.
Keywords
COVID-19, Nursing homes, Anosmia, Diarrhea, Confusion, Hand sanitizing, Access to internet communication technology
Divisions
Education,nursing
Publication Title
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Volume
47
Issue
3
Publisher
Slack Inc
Publisher Location
6900 GROVE RD, THOROFARE, NJ 08086 USA