The effect of deprivation on depression across different age groups in Korea

This study aimed to verify whether deprivation is experienced differently across different age groups and whether these differences change the effect of deprivation on depression. In this study, the CES-D 11 scale was used to measure depression. Additionally, to verify the relationship between deprivation and depression by age group, logistics analysis was conducted. This study analyzed the survey data of 4,000 individuals from Korea; respondents were classified into four age groups: ≤34, 35–49, 50–64, and ≥65 years old. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between deprivation and depression and that specific areas of deprivation affected depression differently for each age group. The deprivation ratios of older individuals were higher in all areas. Further, the deprivation ratio of the ≤34 group in housing and living conditions was higher than that of the other groups. Additionally, respondents in the 50–64 and the ≥65 groups were alienated from the social security network, which poses an increased risk for chronic deprivation or poverty. The results of this study suggest that policies and practical interventions are needed, taking into account that the effects of absolute and relative deprivation on depression vary by age group.