Depression and sociodemographic variables in the elderly at the Research of Longevity, Aging and Health Center.

Abstract

Introduction: The magnitude of depression in the elderly, its costs and suffering make their early detection relevant for proper diagnosis and intervention.

Objective: To evaluate depression and its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics in a sample of older adults attending outpatient clinics at the Research of Longevity, Aging and Health Center.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in a purposive sample of elderly patients assessed in the outpatient clinics in these center. Inclusion criteria were: elderly patients, volunteers, of either sex, education, occupation, or marital status. Those unable to respond to the instruments or who did not wish to continue the study were excluded. The Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (15 items) was used and a structured interview designed for these purposes was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics. For data analysis the descriptive statistics were used. Ethical aspects were observed.

Results: Sample characteristics: a greater presence of women, those aged 80 or older, and university graduates, retired or reemployed, and single (divorced/separated or widowed). Although a predominance of older adults did not report depression (54 %), a significant number of them reported possible depression (46 %). The depressed older adults, unlike those without depression, were: female (33 %), aged 80 or older (27 %), with primary education (17 %), and widowed (17 %). No differences were found regarding occupation.

Conclusions: The value of active screening for depression and its relevance to achieving well-being in the elderly population studied are highlighted.