Beyond the pandemic: Posttraumatic stress and its association with physical and mental health outcomes among older adults in Egypt – a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Nearly four out of five older Egyptian adults experienced moderate to severe PTSD after COVID-19, and PTSD symptoms were significantly associated with poorer physical and mental health. Chronic illness emerged as the strongest determinant of health outcomes, with age showing a modest effect. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed nursing interventions that address both PTSD and chronic illness to improve the well-being of older adults.