Prevalence rate and correlates of depressive symptoms in older individuals: the Veneto Study

Depressive symptoms (DS) are very common in elders, particularly among women, and their prevalence rates vary widely across countries.

A random sample of noninstitutionalized men (n = 867) and women (n = 1531), aged 65 years and older, from the Veneto region, northeastern Italy, were interviewed and participated in a brief physical examination in their homes. The prevalence rates of DS and the associated physical, social, and psychological factors were analyzed.

The overall prevalence rate of DS was 58% in women and 34% in men (p <.0001), but there was no significant trend with age. Women were at higher risk of DS (OR = 1.63) than men, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors, such as fair-poor self-rated health, sleep disturbances and use of sleep medications, lack of support from social and family network, and physical and cognitive impairment.

This study provides evidence that older women more frequently report DS than men, independently from the presence of traditional risk and associated factors. Cultural and lifestyle factors throughout life might explain this gender difference.