Mehregan Emaminaeini

Bio: Mehregan Emaminaeini is an academic researcher from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. The author has contributed to research in topics: Social support & Depression (differential diagnoses). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 30 citations.

Investigating the role of perception of aging and associated factors in death anxiety among the elderly.

Abstract: Background and objectives The world's growing elderly population highlights the necessity for further attention to the psychological problems of the elderly, such as death anxiety. Analysis of the elderly's perception of aging and associated factors can contribute to prediction of their future physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of perception of aging, and a group of demographic factors, with death anxiety in the elderly living in Gonabad, Iran. Subjects and methods This analytical descriptive study was conducted on 330 elderly residents of Gonabad, who were selected by stratified random sampling. Research tools were a standard demographic questionnaire, Barker's Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire, and Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale. Data were collected by interview of respondents at their home. Data analysis was carried out in SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Pearson's test, independent t-test, and linear regression. Results Respondents had a mean age of 73.97±7.68 years, 42.4% of respondents were men and 57.6% were women. The total Barker's Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire score was 63.18±8.75, with the highest score (17.10±4.70) associated with negative consequences and control. The total Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale score was 128±14.80, with the highest score (35.13±4.06) pertaining to the subscale fear of other people's death. Regression results indicated that the death anxiety score was predictable according to the age and all dimensions of perception of aging, except for the consequences and negative control dimension. Conclusion Age and the perception of aging are good predictors of death anxiety. The authors recommend further research on the determinants of death anxiety in the elderly and the development of a comprehensive care plan to reduce this anxiety among Iranian elderly.

Correlation Anxiety, Stress, and Depression with Perceived Social Support Among the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Abstract: One of the common psychological problems of the elderly is depression, anxiety and stress, and dementia. Social support is one of the variables associated with the elderly lifestyle that can be considered as a product of the social dimension of lifestyle. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of anxiety, stress, and depression with perceived social support among elderly people in Jahrom city. This is an analytical cross-sectional study that was conducted on elderly people in Jahrom city in Iran. The sample size in this study was 210 people and was selected through cluster sampling and random selection of clinics located in Jahrom. Data were collected from two questionnaires: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and perceived social support. After completing the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation. The results of Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed significant relationships between social support for the elderly and depression (r = −0.627, p 0.05). Depression and stress can be reduced by improving social support in the elderly. More attention should also be given to social support for oldermen.

Identification of Depression Among Elderly During COVID-19

Abstract: Elderly population is increasing, while the world has been facing the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which causes a greater adverse impact among older population in various aspects of their lives, such as depression, daily routine disruption, illness, and social and emotional issues. The purpose of this study was to assess the elderly’s depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the risk factors including socio-demographic, physical and psychosocial conditions, as well as family support. The method used was cross-sectional design, with a total sampling of 457 participants. The measuring instruments used were ADL (Activities of Daily Living Scale) and IADL (Lowton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale) for physical activities assessment, APGAR (Adaptability, Participation, Growth, Affection, Resolution) for family support function assessment, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for depression level measurement, with additional questions for psychosocial assessment. 212 elderlies (46.4%) were found with no depression tendency, 183 elderlies (40%) had a tendency of depression, and 62 elderlies (13.6%) had depression. These depression issues were significantly linked to retirement and income among elderly, dependency, fitness and health status, family and social support, and sources of funds. In the presence of depression, control measures for social, health, and psychosocial support must be implemented in order to minimize its impact among the elderly.

Factors affecting mental health and happiness in the elderly: A structural equation model by gender differences

Abstract: There are few studies on the gender differences in mental health, happiness, and their related factors among the older population through the structural equation model (SEM) in Iran. We conducted this study to evaluate the factors affecting mental health and happiness in the elderly using an SEM by gender differences.

ارتباط بین حمایت اجتماعی و کیفیت فعالیت روزمره سالمندان جامعه روستایی

Abstract: Objectives: The increasing trend in aging population raises the need to pay attention to the daily activities of the elderly and their social support as an effective factor in promoting their health. This study aims to investigate the correlation of perceived social support and demographic variables with the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) in older adults living in rural communities in Iran. Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional design conducted on 430 elderly people aged ≥60 years living in a rural community in Iran (Bayza county located 45 km away from Shiraz city) who were selected using a convenience sampling method. Procidano & Heller’s Perceived Social Support - Family Scale (PSS-Fa) and the ADL scale for the elderly were used for data collection. The ADL questionnaire’s internal consistency by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was obtained 0.96. The PSS-Fa with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 0.91 has acceptable internal consistency. The reliability of its Persian version using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was obtained 87%. Data were analyzed in SPSS V. 25 software using multivariate ANOVA and regression analysis. Results: The mean±SD age of the participants was 69.67±7.067 years. The mean score of PSS-Fa and the ADL scale was reported 16.55± 5.16 and 55.10±3.07, respectively. Perceived social support, education and age had significant effect correlation with the ability to perform ADL in the elderly (P<0.001), while marital status and gender showed no significant correlation (P>0.05). The age factor was inversely correlated with the ability to perform ADL; hence, the independence of older adults decreases with the increase of age. Conclusion: Many demographic variables and social support affect the ability to perform ADL in the elderly. Social support can be used as a social investment to improve the quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, considering that one of the duties of health care providers is to improve the health status of the elderly, it is necessary for health care providers to increase social support and maintain and promote a healthy and active life for them through educational programs and periodic physical examinations.