[Risk factors of depression among the baby boomer generation: A cross-sectional study using the 2022 Korean Community...

The purpose of this study was to identify depression in the baby boomer generation and identify risk factors for depression.

We selected and analyzed a total of 45,470 members of the baby boomer generation using the 2022 Korean Community Health Survey. We conducted the Rao-Scott χ ² test to evaluate differences according to depression and used logistic regression analysis to identify related factors.

Of the baby boomer generation, 8.1% had depression. Sex (odds ratio [OR]=1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.39~1.78), working status (OR=0.76, 95% CI=0.69~0.85), marital status (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.27~1.61), average monthly household income (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.74~0.97), subjective health status (OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.64~2.22), eating breakfast (OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.72~0.96), sleep time (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.05~1.30), unmet medical care (OR=1.68, 95% CI=1.42~2.00), stress (OR=2.69, 95% CI=2.42~3.00), life satisfaction (OR=2.30, 95% CI=1.90~2.79), and cognitive disability (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.88~2.32) were significant risk factors for depression among members of the baby boomer generation.

It is necessary to develop programs to manage mental health issues such as stress, which is a major factor in the experience of depression among members of the baby boomer generation, to increase life satisfaction. In addition, active attention is needed continuously to assist in the mental health of members of the baby boomer generation.