The impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress among the older adults: the mediating and moderating role of activities of daily living and perceived social support

Jul 9, 2021Aging & mental health

Chronic diseases linked to psychological distress in older adults: the role of daily activities and social support

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Circadian Biology on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Abstract

Chronic diseases significantly affect psychological distress in older adults, with 3250 participants involved in the study.

Chronic diseases are associated with increased psychological distress among older adults.
Activities of daily living (ADL) partially mediate the relationship between chronic diseases and psychological distress.
Perceived social support significantly moderates the impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress.
Higher levels of perceived social support may help alleviate the negative effects of chronic diseases on mental health.

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OBJECTIVES: Previous literature has shown that chronic diseases and psychological distress are correlated. However, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the role played by activities of daily living (ADL) and perceived social support.

METHOD: Face-to-face questionnaire-based surveys were conducted with 3250 valid participants (age ≥60 years). Participants were assessed using the Barthel Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21.

RESULTS: 1) Chronic diseases had a significant direct effect on psychological distress in older adults; 2) the relationship between chronic diseases and psychological distress was partially mediated by ADL; and 3) the impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress was significantly moderated by perceived social support. More importantly, perceived social support was a protective factor that could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of chronic diseases on psychological distress.

CONCLUSION: The results add to the existing literature by uncovering the underlying mechanisms between chronic diseases and mental health. These findings have implications for early intervention and prevention of mental health problems in older adults.

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The impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress among the older adults: the mediating and moderating role of activities of daily living and perceived social support

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