The effect of sociodemographic factors and medical status on depressive symptoms of the inhabitants of nursing home and community-dwelling elders in Trabzon-Turkey


TOPBAŞ M., Yaris F., ÇAN G., Kapuca M., Sayar K.

Klinik Psikofarmakoloji Bulteni, vol.14, no.2, pp.57-60, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 14 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Journal Name: Klinik Psikofarmakoloji Bulteni
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CAB Abstracts, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.57-60
  • Keywords: Community-dwelling, Depressive symptom, Elderly, Nursing home
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Aim: The rate of depression is increasing among the elderly population of Turkey. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of living in a nursing home on depressive symptoms. Methods: The study was conducted in May 2001 among 97 elders, who live in a nursing home (NH), and 97 community-dwelling (CD) elders. The individuals who were enrolled in the study were matched according to age and sex and did not suffer from dementia. All of the elderly completed a questionnaire concerning their medical and social status and history. Each individual received a rating on the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and enter-method logistic regression. Results: Seventy-eight (80.4%) of the NH group and 46 (47.4%) of the CD elders had depressive symptoms and the difference between two groups was statistically significant (x2=34.60, df=1, p<0.0005). The depressive symptoms were higher in elders living in NH (OR=2.93; 95% CI: 1.20-7.20), elders with no hobby (OR=2.70; 95% CI: 1.20-6.10), uneducated elders (OR=2.64; 95% CI: 1.16-5.99), in the women (OR=2.45; 95% CI: 1.04-5.76), and elderly individuals who have more diseases (OR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.11-2.41). Conclusion: Besides other risk factors, dwelling in a nursing home seems to be an important risk factor for depressive symptoms in the elderly.