Factors Influencing Depressive Symptoms in Community Dwelling Older People.

Sohn,  Jung Nam

doi:2013.22.2.107

J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs > Volume 22(2); 2013 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Academy of psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 2013;22(2):107-116.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2013.22.2.107 Published online June 30, 2013.

Factors Influencing Depressive Symptoms in Community Dwelling Older People.

Jung Nam Sohn

Department of Nursing, Hanseo University, Seosan, Korea. jnsohn@hanseo.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to investigate the factors which influence depressive symptoms in older people. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected through questionnaires from 393 older people. Data analysis was done with SPSS/WIN 17.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression for elders was 14.8%. Living with family and level of education were significant factors related to depressive symptoms identified through multiple logistic regression analysis. After adjusting for several confounding factors, the factors related to depressive symptoms were number of chronic diseases, social support, frequency of social contact, sleep disturbance, and stress. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that there is a need to construct and implement an integrated preventive program for depression which deals with care for chronic disease, reduction of stress, increased connection with a community network for social support and management of sleep disturbances.

Key Words: Depression; Aged; Social support; Stress; Sleep