Investigation of health care needs, behaviors, and existing health conditions of individuals aged >= 65 during the pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to determine the investigation of health-care needs, behaviors, and existing health conditions of individuals aged and over the age of 65 during the pandemic. Descriptive study's data were collected from individuals aged >= 65 years who have at least one chronic disease between April and June 2020 during the curfews by using the interview method via telephone. A decrease was found during the coronavirus pandemic regarding perceived well-being, fitness, and overall health, having regular physician examinations, sufficient sleep and rest, avoiding stress, and exercising regularly. The participants could not go to regular medical examinations (51.5%) and 37.3% of the participants did not consider going to the hospital. Some of the individuals (22.4%) had to go to the hospital because of acute problems. These results led to the consideration that there can be negative consequences of the pandemic on the health status of individuals. These consequences may cause health risks and irreversible problems in the management of chronic diseases.