Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Risk and Preventive Factors for Depressive Symptoms Among Older Chilean Adults During the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: A
Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés1,2, Dafna Oppenheimer-Lewin3, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos1,2,4
1Departament of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Objective:
To specifically examine the multiple factors related to the increase in depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak in older adults in Chile.
Method:
A longitudinal study was conducted using a dataset from a nationally representative survey cohort of Chilean older adults followed at three time points during the COVID-19 outbreak. The main outcome was depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire scale). The independent variables included: age, sex, educational level, geographic area, living alone, self-perceived health, self-reported resilience, loneliness, and social isolation.
Results:
A total of 424 older adults were included. Female sex (β = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.22 to 1.68) and loneliness (β = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.37) were the main risk factors for an increase in depressive symptoms in older adults. In contrast, living outside the metropolitan region (β=-0.70, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.02), living in company (β=-0.34, 95% CI:-1.24 to 0.56), having better self-perceived health (β=-5.04, 95% CI:-6.33 to -3.75) and greater resilience (β=-0.30, 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.23) were preventive factors.
Conclusion:
These results provide useful evidence to develop mental health prevention or control strategies for older adults.
Clinical Implications:
The findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to health care for older adults that integrates strategies to address loneliness, foster resilience, and promote an active social life.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

