Relationship between depressive symptoms, social isolation, visual complaints and hearing loss in middle-aged and older adults.

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic diseases, especially depression, has been increasing worldwide. Health professionals have an important role in screening and early detection of the disorder, to prevent possible damage such as disability and dependence. With aging, sensory impairments can occur, such as visual and hearing losses, which can lead to isolation contributing to the development of depressive symptoms. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between depressive symptoms, social isolation, and self-perception of visual complaints and hearing loss in middle-aged and older adults. It was a cross-sectional quantitative study, in Três Lagoas, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, with 300 participants of both sexes, aged 45 years and over, registered in the Primary Health Care network. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with sociodemographic data and the questions "Do you consider yourself socially isolated?", "Do you have a vision and/or a hearing problem capable of stopping you from performing a daily life activity?" and "If yes, do you use a hearing aid and/or glasses or contact lenses?". Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression (CES-D) scale with a cut-off score adapted for age. Data were analyzed with binary logistic regression, with the presence of depressive symptoms being the dependent variable. Values of p≤0.05 were considered significant. The majority of the sample were women (65.7%), with an average age of 60.9 years, 56.7% were classified with depressive symptoms, 27.0% considered themselves socially isolated, 84.7% reported visual acuity loss (70.7% used glasses) and 17.3% reported hearing loss (2.3% used hearing aids). Social isolation (OR = 6.0), visual complaints (OR = 3.85), and hearing loss (OR = 4.67) were related to the presence of depressive symptoms. Moreover, being married (OR = 0.51) was a protective factor in these participants. The results showed the importance of early diagnosis of depressive symptoms. The correction of visual and hearing deficits is highlighted, as these may be related to symptoms of depression. Health professionals in Primary Health Care should be able to monitor depressive symptoms, visual and hearing complaints, and to promote social interaction.