Depressive symptoms are manifested by depressed mood and lack of interest in carrying out activities of daily living. Disability is the term used to explain the negative aspects of the interaction between the individual and their contextual factors, which include disabilities, activity limitations and restrictions on social participation. Some evidence, prior to the pandemic, showed the association of depressive symptoms with negative outcomes related to body functions in the older adults. However, we did not observe studies in the literature that explore the relationships of this variable with the disability of community-dwelling older adults, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To investigate whether there is an association between depressive symptoms and disability in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cross-sectional study (Survey) with Brazilian community-dwelling older adults, with a mean age of 68.2 (±6.8) years. Validated instruments were used to assess depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale - CES-D) and disability (World Health Disability Assessment Schedule - WHODAS 2.0 – 12-item version). Sociodemographic issues, internet use, number of comorbidities, perceived social isolation, physical activity and type of health care were evaluated. Multiple linear regression model was used to investigate the association between depressive symptoms and disability (5% significance level).

The sample consisted of 167 elderly people, of whom 67.5% were female. The average score of the CES-D was 16.3 (±7.2) points, with 80 (47.9%) older adults considered to have depressive symptoms; and the mean WHODAS 2.0 score was 19.6 (±7.8) points. In the multiple linear regression model, adjusted for covariates, older adults with depressive symptoms (β = 5.69; 95% CI 7.78; 3.59, p < 0.001) showed higher levels of disability.

There was an association between the presence of depressive symptoms and disability in the older adults in the community, in the context of the pandemic. It is necessary to monitor older adults with this condition to prevent complications and reduce disabilities.

These results reinforce the importance of health professionals tracking this condition to promote the functionality of the elderly. In addition, they indicate that functionality is also shaped by psychological factors and that these should be considered in the development of clinical and surveillance strategies.