Clinically significant depressive symptoms among community-living older people ≥ 70 years: Prevalence and associations. The HUNT study, Norway

The prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms (CSDS) in community-living older adults ≥70 years living at home in Norway has not been investigated for years. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and variables related to CSDS in older adults 70+, with a sub-analysis among the oldest (80+).

In the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), Norway, 8911 inhabitants comprising 47.1 % men (mean age in women 77, SD 5.6 and men 76.5, SD 5.3, range 70-102.7) completed the Depression subscale in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression were used to test variables associated with CSDS.

The prevalence of CSDS (HADS-D ≥ 8) was in the total sample 8.4 % among women and 11.5 % among men, while among the oldest (80+), the prevalence was 14.4 % and 16.6 %, respectively. Feeling lonely or perceiving health as poor was associated with CSDS. Reported impaired functioning was associated with CSDS than in those without such limitations in men, but not in women.

Men had a higher prevalence of CSDS than women in the total sample and among the oldest (80+). Loneliness and poor health are important variables associated with CSDS.