Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Community-Dwelling Low Income Elderly / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling low income elderly. METHODS: A community survey of 1,351 low income residents aged 65 or over was conducted in Buk district of Gwangju, Korea. Depressive symptom was evaluated by the Korean Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS). Their sociodemographic factors, the precence of chronic physical illness, and cognitive functions were investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of depressive symptoms was 69.8%. In multiple logistic regression, chronic physical illness (Odds Ratio2.68, 95% Confidence Interval 1.98-3.63), low education (Odds Ratio 1.84, 95% Confidence Interval 1.39-2.43), and cognitive impairment (Odds Ratio 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval 1.20-2.16) were independently associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms in community-dwelling low income elderly were very common, particularly related to current chronic physical illnesses. The results of this study can be useful for the development of community-based prevention and management programs for depression. Of elderleg.