Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Are older adults of Rohingya community (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh fearful of COVID-19? Findings from a cross-sectional study.
oleh: Sabuj Kanti Mistry, A R M Mehrab Ali, Farhana Akther, Prince Peprah, Sompa Reza, Shaidatonnisha Prova, Uday Narayan Yadav
| Format: | Article |
|---|---|
| Diterbitkan: | Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2021-01-01 |
Deskripsi
<h4>Aim</h4>This study aimed to assess the fear of COVID-19 and its associates among older Rohingya (Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals or FDMNs) in Bangladesh.<h4>Method</h4>We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 416 older FDMNs aged 60 years and above living in camps of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on participants' socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, pre-existing non-communicable chronic conditions, and COVID-19 related information. Level of fear was measured using the seven-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) with the cumulative score ranged from 7 to 35. A multiple linear regression examined the factors associated with fear.<h4>Results</h4>Among 416 participants aged 60 years or above, the mean fear score was 14.8 (range 8-28) and 88.9% of the participants had low fear score. Participants who were concerned about COVID-19 (β: 0.63, 95% CI: -0.26 to 1.53) and overwhelmed by COVID-19 (β: 3.54, 95% CI: 2.54 to 4.55) were significantly more likely to be fearful of COVID-19. Other factors significantly associated with higher level of fear were lesser frequency of communication during COVID-19, difficulty in obtaining food during COVID-19, perception that older adults are at highest risk of COVID-19 and receiving COVID-19 related information from Radio/television and friends/family/neighbours.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our study highlighted that currently there little fear of COVID-19 among the older Rohingya FDMNs. This is probably due to lack of awareness of the severity of the disease in. Dissemination of public health information relevant to COVID-19 and provision of mental health services should be intensified particularly focusing on the individual who were concerned, overwhelmed or fearful of COVID-19. However, further qualitative research is advised to find out the reasons behind this.