TY - JOUR
T1 - Factors associated with higher levels of grief and support needs among people bereaved during the pandemic
T2 - Results from a national online survey
AU - Selman, Lucy E
AU - Farnell, Damian
AU - Longo, Mirella
AU - Goss, Silvia
AU - Torrens-Burton, Anna
AU - Seddon, Kathy
AU - Mayland, Catriona R
AU - Machin, Linda
AU - Byrne, Anthony
AU - Harrop, Emily
PY - 2022/12/21
Y1 - 2022/12/21
N2 - We identified factors associated with higher levels of grief and support needs among 711 people bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK (deaths 16 March 2020-2 January 2021). An online survey assessed grief using the Adult Attitude to Grief (AAG) scale, which calculates an overall index of vulnerability (IOV) (range 0–36), and practical and emotional support needs in 13 domains. Participants’ mean age was 49.5 (SD 12.9); 628 (88.6%) female. Mean age of deceased 72.2 (SD 16.1). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19. High overall levels of grief and support needs were observed; 28.2% exhibited severe vulnerability (index of vulnerability ≥24). Grief and support needs were higher for close relationships with the deceased (vs. more distant) and reported social isolation and loneliness (p < 0.001), and lower when age of deceased was above 40–50. Other associated factors were place of death and health professional support post-death (p < 0.05).
AB - We identified factors associated with higher levels of grief and support needs among 711 people bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK (deaths 16 March 2020-2 January 2021). An online survey assessed grief using the Adult Attitude to Grief (AAG) scale, which calculates an overall index of vulnerability (IOV) (range 0–36), and practical and emotional support needs in 13 domains. Participants’ mean age was 49.5 (SD 12.9); 628 (88.6%) female. Mean age of deceased 72.2 (SD 16.1). 311 (43.8%) deaths were from confirmed/suspected COVID-19. High overall levels of grief and support needs were observed; 28.2% exhibited severe vulnerability (index of vulnerability ≥24). Grief and support needs were higher for close relationships with the deceased (vs. more distant) and reported social isolation and loneliness (p < 0.001), and lower when age of deceased was above 40–50. Other associated factors were place of death and health professional support post-death (p < 0.05).
U2 - 10.1177/00302228221144925
DO - 10.1177/00302228221144925
M3 - Article (Academic Journal)
C2 - 36542774
SN - 0030-2228
JO - Omega (United Kingdom)
JF - Omega (United Kingdom)
ER -