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Chronic illness and depressive symptoms in the elderly: a population-based study
L A Palinkas1, D L Wingard, E Barrett-Connor
1Division of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla 92093.
Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Depression risk in older adults is significant, with women experiencing higher rates. Factors like chronic illness, medication, and exercise influence depressed mood, differing by sex.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Depression is a common mental health concern in older adults.
- Previous research suggests depression risk may decrease with age.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for depression in the elderly is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in an elderly population.
- To investigate the association between depressed mood and chronic illness in older adults.
- To explore sex-based differences in depression risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Involved 1617 men and women aged 65+ in Southern California.
- Assessed depressive symptoms, chronic illnesses, medications, and lifestyle factors.
Main Results:
- Overall prevalence of depressed mood was 5.2%.
- Women had significantly higher depressive symptom scores and nearly double the prevalence rate compared to men.
- Depressive symptoms were linked to age, health perception, chronic diseases, medications, and exercise, with sex-specific patterns.
Conclusions:
- The risk of depression does not diminish with age in the elderly.
- Sex differences exist in the prevalence and correlates of depression among older adults.
- Chronic illness and its management are significantly associated with depressed mood in this population.