Investigation of occupational efficiency perception, community participation levels and social isolation status of elderly individuals followed up with coronavirus disease 2019

This study was planned to investigate the perception of occupational competence, community participation levels and social isolation status of individuals followed up with coronavirus disease 2019. 64 healthy and hospitalized 64 elderly individuals aged 65 and over were included in the study. The Occupational Self-Assessment was used to assess the participants' occupational competence perception, and the Community Integration Questionnaire was used to assess their level of community participation. The Lubben Social Network Scale was used to determine the social isolation levels of the participants. No differences were found in perceived activity competence and productivity participation among the participant groups. (p>0,05). The community participation, home participation and social participation levels of the elderly individuals in the patient group were lower than the elderly individuals in the control group (p<0.05). Total social isolation, family and friends social isolation levels of the patient group were higher than the healthy group (p<0.05). A statistically moderate correlation was found with the community participation levels and social isolation levels of the sick elderly individuals (p<0.05). According to the results of the study, it has been determined that the social isolation of the elderly individuals followed up with the Covid-19 disease affects the community participation levels of the individuals. It is considered necessary to carry out community-based comprehensive evaluation studies and to follow-up patients after discharge during pandemic periods. Key Words: Community coronavirus disease 2019, participation, social isolation, occupation, adult.