Multidimensional Assessment of Anxiety Levels in Elderly Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Anxiety in Elderly Emergency Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66288/actamedi.2026.77Keywords:
Anxiety, Aged, Emergency Service, Hospital, Comorbidity, Socioeconomic FactorsAbstract
Aim: Anxiety is common among older adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) and may be influenced by psychosocial vulnerability and clinical burden. This study aimed to assess anxiety levels in individuals aged 65 years and older presenting to the ED and to examine associations with sociodemographic factors, living arrangements, and comorbidity burden.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between April and June 2025 in the ED of a tertiary training and research hospital. A total of 198 clinically stable patients aged ≥65 years were included. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through structured interviews. Anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and STAI-II). Statistical analyses were performed according to data distribution, and effect sizes were calculated.
Results: The mean age was 74.8±7.45 years, and 51.5% of participants were female. Female patients had significantly higher BAI scores than males, while no sex differences were observed in state or trait anxiety. Anxiety levels were higher among single or widowed individuals and those living alone. Lower educational level was associated with increased anxiety across all scales. While individual chronic diseases were not independently associated with anxiety, patients with comorbid conditions showed higher somatic anxiety. Lower income was associated with increased state anxiety.
Conclusion: Anxiety in elderly ED patients is closely linked to sociodemographic vulnerability, limited social support, and comorbidity burden. Brief psychosocial screening in the ED may help identify high-risk older adults.
Keywords: Anxiety; Aged; Emergency Service, Hospital; Comorbidity; Socioeconomic Factors
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hüseyin Sevil, Samet Dinçer, Emin Sancar, Abdurrahman Yılmaz, Ali Ünal, Sema Can, Emre Kanat
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