Depression According to Health Perception and Health Practice Among the Aged in an Area

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to understand health perception, health practice, and depression of the elderly and to identify their depression level according to health perception and health practice. METHOD: The subjects were 463 elders who have lived in the Jeju Island, and data were collected from June to August in 2005. Data were analyzed by SPSS 10.0. RESULT: The mean score of depression was 12.94 out of 30, and had a statistically significant correlation with educational level (F=2.943, p=.033), occupation (F=4.611, p=.010), and the number of chronic diseases (F=5.303, p=.001). When the cutoff of 18 points was applied based on Jung et al. (1997), the depression ratio was 12.4%, and when the cutoff parameter by Yesavage et al (1993) was applied, themoderate depression ratio was 74.8% and the severe depression ratio was 3.4%. In health recognition, consideration of usual health state had a significant correlation with depression (F=3.553, p=.007), but consideration of health state compared to the previous year wasn't. In health practice, sleeping was in a significant correlation with depression (F=3.574, p=.011), but smoking, alcohol drinking, exercise, and rest were not. CONCLUSION: Based on above results, we need further study on another sample group and the development, application, and verification of health management, education, and counseling programs for the elderly. Also, additional research should be made on significant factors of elderly depression.