Factors Influencing Depression in Community-dwelling Elderly with Low Income

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of and factors influencing depression in community-dwelling, low-income elderly.

Methods: A randomized sample of 306 subjects aged 65 and over was selected from one communities. in Korea. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaire, during the period from January to September, 2007. The data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression with SPSS/Win program.

Results: The prevalence of depression was 43.8%, the mean score of depression was 6.37. Depression of the elderly significantly correlated with education level, types of the health insurance, economic levels, smoking, hypertension, arthritis, incontinence, life satisfaction, perceived health status and cognitive function. Stepwise multiple regression analysis reveled that a combination of life satisfaction, cognitive function and health insurance accounted for 67.6% of depression in elderly.

Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the approach to effective depression prevention and management program for community-dwelling elderly should consider life satisfaction, physical and mental health and economic levels.