Factors Affecting Depression in Elderly Vulnerable People Living Alone

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influenced depression of the elderly vulnerable people living alone in the public home visiting health service center. METHODS: The participants for this study were 491 Korean elderly men living in G city. Data were collected from February to July, 2011 using structured questionnaires. chi2-test, t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression with the SPSS/WIN program were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The levels of ADL and IADL of the elderly living alone were higher, and the levels of social support and life satisfaction were lower than the normal elderly. Depression was positively related to ADL and IADL and negatively to social support and life satisfaction in the elderly living alone. In addition, age, fall experience, ADL, IADL and life satisfaction had influence on the depression. CONCLUSION: The elderly living alone are in a more serious health status, especially in depression than the normal elderly. It is necessary to develop depression controlling intervention programs in order to promote healthy lifestyles for the elderly vulnerable people living alone.