PTSD and challenges among older Chinese in Shenzhen during COVID-19 pandemic: Trust in authority and medical professionals as moderators

Aim:
This research aimed to comprehensively explore the impact of diverse challenges encountered by older adults on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It delved into how these effects vary depending on individuals’ levels of trust in authority and medical professionals, providing a nuanced understanding of the interplay between external challenges, personal trust, and mental health outcomes in the older population.

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant hardships, particularly on the ageing population, with potential psychological repercussions such as PTSD. Notably, there is a dearth of research exploring this association within the context of Chinese older adults, a group that may experience unique impacts due to cultural differences in the face of global crises.

Methods:
Data were collected from a representative sample of 1,211 participants aged 60 years and above in Shenzhen. Logistic and hierarchical linear regression methods were utilized to investigate the relationship between the challenges posed by COVID-19, public trust, and the manifestation of PTSD symptoms.

Findings:
Higher levels of challenges related to ‘supplies, services access and safety’, ‘abuse and conflicts’, and ‘anger and fear’ were associated with PTSD. Furthermore, a lower level of challenges related to ‘disease management and information’ was associated with PTSD. Trust in authority or medical professionals was the moderator between the challenges brought about by COVID-19 and PTSD, which helped to lower the impact of challenges. Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19 to people, nurturing a stronger sense of trust in authority and medical professionals would ease older adults’ psychological stress and concerns.