Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic situation has affected individuals both physically, mentally, and socially, especially among the elderly with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, the COVID-19 anxiety among older adults must be addressed. This cross-sectional survey aimed to investigate COVID-19 anxiety and associated factors. The subjects consisted of 222 elderly persons with NCDs aged 60 years or older in Nong Ya Plong District, Phetchaburi Province. Data were collected through interviews and a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The level of statistical significance was set at less than 0.05. The results revealed that almost 89% of participants had COVID-19 anxiety at low or medium levels. Factors associated with COVID-19 anxiety among older adults with NCDs were sex, perceived health status, and community support (p<0.05). Implication of the Thematic Paper: Public health agencies should implement campaigns to prevent the COVID-19, including organizing mental health activities for the older adults with NCDs, especially females and those perceived to have poor health status, by participating in community sponsored activities to reduce anxiety regarding the spread of COVID-19.