ABSTRACT
This study assesses the attitude, knowledge, and psychological trauma experienced by elderly people in Dutse Town during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 50 elderly respondents through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal varying levels of knowledge about COVID-19, with most respondents aware of the virus's existence and basic preventive measures, such as handwashing and mask-wearing. However, misconceptions about the transmission and treatment of COVID-19 were prevalent. The study also highlights a generally cautious attitude towards the virus, with many respondents expressing adherence to recommended guidelines. Despite this, a significant portion of the elderly population reported feelings of isolation, anxiety, and fear of contracting the virus, contributing to psychological trauma. The trauma was further exacerbated by reduced social interactions, misinformation, and limited access to healthcare services. Factors such as educational attainment and exposure to accurate information were found to influence knowledge and attitudes positively. However, financial constraints and lack of family support were identified as barriers to implementing preventive measures. The study recommends targeted health education programs for elderly individuals, improved access to mental health support, and enhanced communication strategies to combat misinformation. Community-based initiatives to provide social and emotional support for the elderly during public health crises are also advocated to mitigate the psychological impacts of pandemics like COVID-19. This research underscores the importance of addressing the unique vulnerabilities of elderly populations in managing both the physical and psychological challenges posed by global health emergencies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page
Declaration - - - - - - - - - - ii
Certification - - - - - - - - - - iii
Approval Page - - - - - - - - - iv
Dedication - - - - - - - - - - v
Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - vi
Table of contents - - - - - - - - vii
Abstract - - - - - - - - - - ix
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 1
1.1 Background of the Study - - - - - - - - 2
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - - - - 3
1.3 Justification of the Study - - - - - - - - 4
1.4 Aim and Objectives - - - - - - - - 4
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - - - - 4
1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study - - - - - - 5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature review - - - - - - - - - 6
2.1 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 6
2.2 The Impact of COVID-19- - - - - - - - 7
2.3 Conceptual Framework- - - - - - - - - 11
2.4 Knowledge and Attitudes Toward COVID-19- - - - - - 13
2.5 Psychological Impact of COVID-19 - - - - - - 14
CHAPTER THHREE
3.0 Material and Method - - - - - - - - 17
3.1 Study Area - - - - - - - - - - 17
3.2 Research Design - - - - - - - - - 17
3.3 Population of the Study - - - - - - - - 17
3.4 Data Collection - - - - - - - - - 18
3.4 Sample Size - - - - - - - - - 18
3.6 Method of Data Analysis - - - - - - - 18
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction - - - - - - - - - 19
4.1 Result - - - - - - - - - - 19
4.2 Discussion - - - - - - - - - 23
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - 25
5.2 Recommendations - - - - - - - - - 25
References - - - - - - - - - - 26
Questionnaire - - - - - - - - - 28
CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted
societies worldwide, with older adults facing heightened vulnerability due to
their increased risk of severe illness and mortality. In Dutse Town, a locality
where the elderly population is significant, the pandemic has posed unique
challenges that extend beyond physical health. Understanding how these
challenges have affected elderly individuals' attitudes, knowledge, and
psychological well-being is crucial for tailoring effective support and
intervention strategies.
Elderly individuals are often at the center of
public health concerns during pandemics, as they are more susceptible to severe
outcomes from infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a
complex interplay of factors affecting the elderly, including limited access to
accurate health information, heightened feelings of isolation, and increased
stress related to health risks. (Smith & Thompson 2023). These factors can
influence their attitudes toward preventive measures, such as social distancing
and vaccination, and contribute to psychological trauma. (Garcia & Lopez
2022).
In Dutse Town, the impact of COVID-19 on the elderly
has yet to be thoroughly examined. Preliminary observations suggest that
misinformation, fear of the virus, and disruptions to daily routines have
significantly affected their mental health. (Guan et al., 2020). Psychological
trauma, characterized by increased anxiety, depression, and stress, may result
from a combination of factors including social isolation, health-related
concerns, and changes in routine care. (Salah et al., 2021).
This project aims to bridge the gap in understanding
by investigating the attitudes, knowledge, and psychological trauma experienced
by elderly residents of Dutse Town. By assessing these aspects, the study will
provide valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by this
population during the pandemic. The findings will be instrumental in developing
targeted public health strategies, educational programs, and psychological
support services to better address the needs of the elderly and enhance their
resilience in the face of ongoing and future health crises.
The outbreak of
the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019 marked the beginning of one of the most
challenging global health crises of the 21st century. Originating from the city
of Wuhan in China, the virus quickly spread across continents, leading to a
global pandemic. As nations scrambled to contain the virus, governments
implemented strict public health measures, including lockdowns, travel
restrictions, and social distancing to prevent further spread. The elderly,
defined as individuals aged 60 years and older, were particularly at risk due
to their age-related physiological vulnerabilities and higher rates of
pre-existing medical conditions, making them more susceptible to severe illness
and mortality from the virus.
The pandemic’s
impact has not only been physical but also psychological. The elderly
population, already facing significant health challenges due to aging, found
themselves more isolated and vulnerable to mental health issues, including
anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. The social and emotional
effects of the pandemic were compounded by the fear of contracting the virus,
changes in daily routines, and the cessation of social interactions with
friends, family, and community members. These psychological impacts are often
overlooked when discussing the health effects of the pandemic, yet they
represent a crucial aspect of the elderly’s experience during this time.
In Nigeria, the
challenges faced by the elderly during the pandemic have been particularly
acute. The country, with a population of over 200 million, has one of the
largest elderly populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, public health
systems, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, have struggled to meet the
needs of this vulnerable group. The elderly population in Nigeria, especially
in towns like Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State, has had to contend with a
lack of access to accurate health information, inadequate healthcare
facilities, and socio-cultural factors that may hinder their understanding and
adoption of preventive measures. In addition to these factors, many elderly
Nigerians live in conditions that limit their access to essential social
support networks, further exacerbating the psychological impact of the
pandemic.
This research
focuses on Dutse Town and seeks to explore the attitude, knowledge, and
psychological trauma due to COVID-19 among elderly individuals in the region.
By investigating these three components, the study aims to provide a deeper
understanding of how the elderly in Dutse Town have been affected by the
pandemic. Specifically, it will explore the elderly's knowledge about the
virus, their attitudes toward preventive measures such as wearing masks and
vaccinations, and the psychological trauma resulting from the fear of illness,
social isolation, and changes in their daily routines.
1.1 Background
of the Study
The COVID-19
pandemic has led to widespread disruptions globally, affecting the physical,
emotional, and social well-being of people of all ages. However, the elderly
population has been particularly vulnerable due to their weakened immune
systems and increased likelihood of pre-existing health conditions. As the
virus spread, it became apparent that older adults were more likely to
experience severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. In
addition to the direct health impacts of the virus, the pandemic has also posed
significant challenges to the mental and emotional health of the elderly, a
group already at heightened risk for mental health disorders such as depression
and anxiety.
In Nigeria,
where healthcare resources are often scarce, elderly individuals face
compounded risks. They often have limited access to health information,
particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, which makes them more vulnerable to
misinformation and inadequate health literacy. This is especially concerning
given the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the constant updates regarding health
protocols and safety measures. Without adequate knowledge of how the virus
spreads or how to protect themselves, elderly individuals may engage in
behaviors that increase their risk of contracting COVID-19.
Further, the
Nigerian elderly population is faced with significant socio-cultural factors
that influence their responses to health information. In many communities, elders
hold positions of authority within the family and the wider society. However,
they may also be subject to cultural beliefs and practices that contradict
scientific knowledge, such as dismissing the severity of the virus or believing
in local myths that hinder compliance with preventive measures. Additionally,
many elderly individuals live in environments where social isolation is a
common issue, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this problem by
limiting opportunities for social interactions and community support.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted
elderly populations globally, with unique challenges experienced by older
adults in Dutse Town. Despite the global focus on the health impacts of
COVID-19, there is limited understanding of how the pandemic has specifically
affected the elderly in this local context.
Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to
severe outcomes from COVID-19, which has heightened their risk of physical
illness and has introduced new sources of stress. Preliminary reports suggest
that this demographic faces significant barriers to accessing accurate health
information, which can lead to misinformation and confusion about the virus,
preventive measures, and vaccination. This lack of clear information may
influence their attitudes towards necessary health behaviors and increase their
susceptibility to psychological trauma.
1.3 Justification of the Study
This study is justified by the urgent need to
address the specific health and psychological challenges faced by the elderly
in Dutse Town during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results will contribute
valuable knowledge for improving public health strategies, educational
programs, and support services, ultimately fostering a more informed and
resilient elderly population.
1.4 Aim and Objectives
1.4.1 Aim
To evaluate the attitudes, knowledge, and
psychological trauma experienced by elderly individuals in Dutse Town due to
COVID-19.
1.4.2 Objectives
- To assess
the level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and
vaccination.
- To
evaluate attitudes towards preventive measures and vaccination.
- To measure
psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
- To
identify coping strategies and support needs.
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study will provide valuable insights into the
specific needs and challenges faced by elderly people in Dutse Town due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. The findings will inform targeted interventions and public
health strategies to support this vulnerable group better. Additionally,
understanding their experiences will help in designing appropriate mental
health services and educational programs.
1.6 Scope and Limitation
This research work will be conducted on elderly
residents of Dutse Town, Jigawa state from 2019 to September 2024, among elderly residents of
Dutse.
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