Depressive Symptoms in Older People: Exploring Associations with Other Diseases, Functional Capacity and the Home...

The presence of depressive symptoms in older people has become increasingly relevant in the context of global population aging. Although not a natural consequence of aging, such symptoms may be influenced by chronic conditions, functional limitations, and environmental factors. This study sought to assess the occurrence of depressive symptoms in older people from a region of Brazil and to investigate the related factors using a multilevel perspective.

This is a cross-sectional, population-based study among individuals aged ≥60 years. Depressive symptoms (outcome) were measured using the GDS-15, with a score of five points or higher indicating the presence of depressive symptoms. Diseases were assessed through self-reports. Functional capacity was evaluated using (i) the Katz index; (ii) handgrip strength; and (iii) walking speed. The surrounding environment for physical activity was assessed based on participants' perceptions. Multilevel logistic regression models examined the odds of having depressive symptoms according to the variables analyzed.

The prevalence of depressive symptoms among older people was 36.6%, with a higher proportion among women (41.2%). Individuals diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.63; CI: 1.06-2.49), cataracts (OR = 1.76; CI: 1.17-2.66), those considered dependent for performing basic activities of daily living (OR = 6.70; CI: 1.21-37.14), with low handgrip strength (OR = 2.44; CI: 1.50-3.97), and those who reported heavy vehicle traffic as a barrier to physical activity (OR = 1.71; CI: 1.14-2.56) had higher chances of presenting depressive symptoms.

Regardless of individual and municipal characteristics, the presence of depressive symptoms in older people was associated with chronic/degenerative diseases, functional capacity impairment, and the perception of the environment (heavy vehicle traffic) as a hindrance to physical activity around the home.