Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms and Major Depressive Disorder Among the Oldest-Old in India

Objectives

Few studies have assessed the prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and depressive symptoms among the oldest-old (≥ 80 years) in low- and middle-income countries. Using national data from India, the study's objective was to determine the prevalence of MDD and depressive symptoms, as well as the characteristics that are related to them, among people aged 80 and beyond.

Methods

Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional 2017-2018 Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) were analyzed. The analytical sample consisted of 3163 community-dwelling people aged 80 and older (proxy interviews were excluded). MDD and depressive symptoms were evaluated using established measures. Multiple logistic regressions were used (with demographic, health, and social-related explanatory factors).

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 34.8% and MDD 10.3%. Regressions found that higher food insecurity (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.22, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.03–1.44), lower subjective economic status (AOR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.98), lower self-rated health status (AOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.93), lower life satisfaction (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.56–0.78), higher functional disability (AOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06–1.32), physical inactivity (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.09–2.28), and higher perceived discrimination (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.35–1.64) increased the odds of depressive symptoms, and higher food insecurity (AOR: 1.31, CI: 1.02–1.68), lower self-rated health status (AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.85), higher functional disability (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08–1.40), and higher perceived discrimination (AOR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.42) increased the odds of MDD.

Conclusions

Depression was prevalent among the oldest-old in India. Appropriate intervention strategies should be applied to prevent MMD among the oldest-old in India.