Depression and its correlates in older adults in Ukraine

Little is known about the epidemiology of late life depression in Eastern Europe. This study examined the 12-month prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV major depressive episode (MDE) in adults age 50 years and over in Ukraine. The correlates included demographic factors, mental health and alcohol history, physical conditions, and impairments in functioning.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ukraine using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI-3.0) as part of the World Health Organization-World Mental Health Survey Initiative. The sample included 1843 respondents age 50-91. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were used to examine associations of the risk factors with 12-month MDE in men and women separately.

The 12-month prevalence of MDE was 14.4% in women and 7.1% in men. In both sexes, history of MDE before age 50 and poor self-assessed mental/physical health were significantly associated with MDE. Additionally, in men, living alone, 5+ physician visits, and role impairment, but not alcoholism, were associated with depression; in women, poverty, history of anxiety disorder, medical conditions, and cognitive and self-care impairment were significant.

The 12-month prevalence of late life MDE was substantially higher in Ukraine than in Western Europe and other developed countries. The risk factors, however, were similar to those found outside Ukraine. Depression is a recurrent condition, and history of depression was the strongest risk factor. Overall, the results show that older people in Ukraine constitute a high-risk group for MDE and would therefore benefit from targeted interventions by primary care physicians.