Yitao Xi, Thelma J. Mielenz, Howard F. Andrews, Linda L. Hill, David Strogatz, Carolyn DiGuiseppi, Marian E. Betz, Vanya Jones, David W. Eby, Lisa J. Molnar, Barbara H. Lang, Guohua Li
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background
As the US population continues to age, depression and other mental health issues have become a significant challenge for healthy aging. Few studies, however, have examined the prevalence of depression in community-dwelling older adults in the United States.
Methods
Baseline data from the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers study were analyzed to examine the prevalence and correlates of depression in a multisite sample of community-dwelling adults aged 65–79 years who were enrolled and assessed between July 2015 and March 2017. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) depression scale was used to determine the depression status.
Results
Of the 2990 study participants, 186 (6.2%) had depression at the time of assessment. Elevated prevalence of depression was found in those who were 65–69 years of age (7.9%); were women (7.2%); were not married (8.1%); had attained an education of high school or less (8.3%); or had annual household incomes less than $50,000 (10.7%). Older adults with a positive history of depression or chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus and anxiety) had a significantly higher prevalence of depression whereas those engaged in volunteering activities had a significantly lower prevalence of depression. With adjustment for demographic characteristics and comorbidities, volunteering was associated with a 43% reduction in the odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio: 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.81).
Conclusions
The point prevalence of depression in this multisite sample of community-dwelling older adults in the United States was 6.2%, which varied significantly with demographic characteristics and comorbid conditions. Engagement in volunteering activities might help older adults to reduce their risk of depression.
期刊介绍:
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) is the go-to journal for clinical aging research. We provide a diverse, interprofessional community of healthcare professionals with the latest insights on geriatrics education, clinical practice, and public policy—all supporting the high-quality, person-centered care essential to our well-being as we age. Since the publication of our first edition in 1953, JAGS has remained one of the oldest and most impactful journals dedicated exclusively to gerontology and geriatrics.