Research study on experience of risk and mental health among elderly in Sweden in regards of Covid -19
2020-05-13
Although the Centre for Societal Risk Research at Karlstad University is part of CNDS, some of their research extends beyond the traditional boundaries of that which typically falls under the umbrella of disaster risk reduction but which is of interest and value for our efforts in understanding social dynamics and how they influence vulnerabilities, perceptions, governance, policies, institutions, and consequently the natural environment . In a new study at the Centre examines how elderly people in Sweden experience risk in regards of the ongoing corona-pandemic, their ability and willingness to handle the situation and their experiences of how mental health is affected by the situation.
About the study
The ongoing corona-pandemic has been rapidly developing and information on the new virus is extensive. The sorting among available information, knowing what applies to me as a person and how I should act can be a challenge. The situation as of April 2020 in Sweden is that elderly people (over 70 years of age) has been recommended to limit their social contacts to reduce infectivity. Both the labeling as member of a risk-group and that recommendations apply to me personally can feel very unfamiliar. Furthermore, following recommendations and limiting social contacts as well as worrying about the situation and disease can have effect for mental health.
This research project on experience of risk and mental health among elderly in Sweden in regards of Covid -19 is a two-year study funded by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, MSB. The project is conducted at the Centre for Societal Risk Research at Karlstad University, Sweden.
The project aim is to analyze how elderly people in Sweden experience risk in regards of the ongoing corona-pandemic, their ability and willingness to handle the situation and their experiences of how mental health is affected by the situation.
The target group of the project is Swedish citizens that are part of the identified risk-group people over 70 years of age. One qualitative interview study and one quantitative inquiry will be conducted within the project frames. Utilizing a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative data analysis the researchers aim for results of both scope and understanding connected to the aim.
Read more
- The research project on facebook [Swedish language page]
Contact information
Johanna Gustavsson
The Centre for Societal Risk Research / Risk- and Environmental Studies
johanna.gustavsson@kau.se
Phone: +46 54 700 2522
Linda Beckman,
The Centre for Societal Risk Research / Public Health Science
linda.beckman@kau.se
Phone: +46 54 700 2495