Pathological Grief in Geriatric Age Group Affected by COVID-19 Deaths: A Community-Based Study

Background: Deaths by COVID-19 have left behind nearly 12 million recent bereaved individuals worldwide and researchers have raised concerns that the circumstances of COVID-19 related deaths will lead to a rise in prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) cases. Nevertheless, no research has looked at the PGD incidence among older Indians who have lost a loved one to COVID-19. The aim this research is to determine the prevalence of PGD and the demographics of older people who have experienced COVID-19-related bereavement.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and house to house survey was conducted between August 2022 and August 2023. Forty geriatric adults aged above 60 years, who consented to participate were assessed for PGD. Demographic details and loss-related information were collected. Self-reported prolonged grief symptoms were measured using Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) and Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR). Anxiety and depression were measured using Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of grief symptoms.

Results: Our study indicates that individuals who experienced loss due to COVID-19 exhibited higher levels of grief. Most of the participants were females (65%). Prevalence of PGD was 10% by TGI-SR. HAM-A scores (14.28 +/- 1.42) were higher than HAM-D scores (12.02 +/- 1.58).

Conclusion: It is essential to counsel families early and offer supportive services to prevent pathological grief associated with COVID-19 deaths.