Factors influencing self-management of depression in older adults: a qualitative study

Objectives: A considerable body of work addresses prevalence and treatment options for depression in older adults. However, less is known about their capacity to self-manage their depression. Effective self-management of depression has the potential to improve individuals' quality of life through information, empowerment and perceived control, while enabling more efficient health service utilisation. The aim of this paper was to identify the barriers and facilitators to self-management of depression in older adults.Method: A qualitative study comprising in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 32 older adults with a diagnosis of moderate depression.Results: Three over-arching themes captured the barriers and facilitators to participants' capacity to self-manage their depression. Perspectives on age and depression represented how views of older age and mental health influenced the approach to self-management. Ability to access the health care system concerned the ability to identify and engage with different services and support. Individual capacity for self-management reflected participants' views on and the resources required for effective self-management.Conclusion: This study offers a better understanding of the factors that positively or negatively influence older adults' ability to self-manage their depression. Strategies to improve self-management should address misconceptions about age and depression, and older adults' interest in and capacity to embrace self-management practices.