Factors related to depressive symptoms and self‐reported diagnosis of depression in community‐dwelling older Chileans: A national cross‐sectional analysis. (20th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aravena, José M.; Saguez, Rodrigo; Lera, Lydia; Moya, Mario O.; Albala, Cecilia
• Is Part Of: International journal of geriatric psychiatry. Volume 35:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 749
• Page End: 758
• Publication Date: 2020-03-20
• Subjects: depression -- diagnosis -- older adults -- screening; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Geriatric Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1002/gps.5293
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-6230

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of screening‐positive depression and to identify the frequency and factors related to self‐reported depression diagnosis in people with screen‐positive depression. Methods: Using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15), 4065 older Chileans were screened for depression. Social and health variables were included. Self‐reported depression diagnosis and antidepressant use were analyzed according to screen‐positive depression (GDS‐15 ≥ 5). Chi‐square and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors related to screen‐positive depression, and self‐reported diagnosis and current antidepressant use. Results: Overall, mean age was 71.0 years, 60.9% women, and 71.4% had ≤8 years of education. 28.3% of the population screened positive for depression (mild: 21.7%; moderate‐severe: 6.5%). Only 35.9% of screen‐positive depression individuals self‐reported a depression diagnosis (mild: 32.6%; moderate‐severe: 47.0%), with significant differences between the sexes (women: 42.2%; men: 22.5%; P < .01). No education (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.20‐3.32), multimorbidity (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.42‐2.48), dependence (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 3.11‐5.51) and pain (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 2.01‐3.07) were related to screen‐positive depression. In people screen‐positive depression, men (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.35‐0.65) and 80 years or older were less likely to self‐report depression diagnosis (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.23‐0.54), and current antidepressant use (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.14‐0.70). Conclusions: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms and low agreement with self‐reported depression is observed. There is a need to increase the diagnosis of depression especially in men and people 80 years or older.