Prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among older adults treated at a referral center

Abstract

The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among older adults treated at a referral center. A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 360 older adults treated at a Referral Center for the Health of Older Adults in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The following data were collected in 2017: demographic, socioeconomic, morbidity, hospital admission in the last year, frailty (Edmonton Frail Scale), functional capacity (Katz Index, Lawton and Brody Scale) and presence of depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale - GDS-15). Multiple analysis was performed through logistic regression. A prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed in 37.2% of the sample. The variables associated with depressive symptoms were: negative perception about one’s own health (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.34-2.70); frailty (OR=1.94, 95% CI 1.41-2.66); having suffered falls (OR=1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.61); having been hospitalized in the last year (OR=1.56, 95% CI, 1.11-2.27); (OR=2.56, 95% CI 1.38-4.77) and residing alone (OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.09-2.53). Thus, a high prevalence of depressive symptoms was identified among the older adults, evidencing the need for an effective and immediate approach by health professionals.

Sintomas depressivos e fragilidade física em pessoas idosas: revisão integrativa

“…Os sintomas depressivos e a fragilidade física são condições clínicas que apresentam alta prevalência em pessoas idosas, com associação significativa entre elas 12,18,19,21,24,25,29,31,34,38 . A associação entre as variáveis foi verificada principalmente entre pessoas idosas mais velhas, segundo estudo realizado com 1.253 idosos centenários 22 .…”

Pessoas idosas institucionalizadas, transtornos depressivos e questões odontológicas: qual o estado da arte?

“…When addressing the plurality of subjects and research topics involving the issue of oral health and depressive disorders, it is worth noting that depression can affect the oral health of old people, as this disease leads to negligence in hygiene procedures and cariogenic feeding, which leads to an increased risk of cavities and periodontal disease 6 . In this context, old people with depression report dry mouth and oral pain in a higher prevalence than old people without depressive disorder 9 .…”

“…The only subject addressed regarding oral health in the aforementioned Theme 2, was the number of teeth in mouth 50 . Oral health and depression can be associated and the reduced number of teeth is a reflection of this association 6,15,23 . Studies that address the mental health of institutionalized old people and their relationship with the oral health of this population do not seem to be representative in the world literature.…”

“…It is known that there is a difference between the prevalence of depressive illnesses in noninstitutionalized and institutionalized old people, and institutionalized old people have a higher prevalence of depressive illnesses 5 . Depressive disorders in old people can lead to weight loss, worsening quality of life, altered self-esteem, in addition to increasing the use of health services and worsening oral health 6,7 .…”

Prevalência de depressão e fatores associados em idosos atendidos na Atenção Primária à Saúde em região metropolitana do Distrito Federal

“…Isso, provavelmente se deve ao grande número de aposentados em ambos os grupos. Foi encontrada associação de idosos com depressão e ocorrência de quedas nos últimos 12 meses, em concordância com a pesquisa de Silva et al (32). Em outros estudos, a ocorrência de quedas em idosos apresentou-se como fator de risco para os sintomas depressivos (38)(39)(40).…”