Prevalence and correlates of depression in late life: a population based study from a rural Greek town

Abstract

In a rural Greek area, the prevalence of depression in late life is high. Depression was more common among unmarried individuals, those with significant cognitive impairment, and in association with specific medical conditions.

Sex differences in depression among older adults: are older women more vulnerable than men in social risk factors? The case of open care centers for older people in Greece

“…Many studies have reported that medical co-morbidity affects the feeling of well-being in late life and that chronic medical conditions increase the risk of depression (Cole and Dendukuri 2003;Djernes 2006;Bruce et al 2002). A study of older people in Greece also concurred with our finding (Papadopoulos et al 2005). Our multivariate analysis suggested there is no differences in vulnerability to this risk factor for depressive symptoms between men and women.…”

Depressão E Suporte Social Na Velhice

“…Furthermore, our data is not in agreement with the studies which argue that the elderly who do not have someone to confide in, or an intimate relationship, present a higher susceptibility for depressive symptoms (e.g. Chou & Chi, 2005, Papadopoulos et al, 2005, Silva & Sequeira, 2002Stek et al, 2006). This result may be related to the fact that the intimate and marital relationships, in the context of institutionalization, often assume specificities and limitations related to the way these nursing homes work.…”

“…This result corroborates those of other studies (e.g. Gazalle et al 2004;Oliveira, 2005, Papadopoulos et al, 2005, in which age is considered a risk factor for the onset of depressive symptoms. These results may be related to the fact that, with advancing age, the elderly, particularly those in institutions, have less autonomy, less pleasant life experiences and more physical and sensory handicaps.…”

“…Regarding gender, the findings do not go in the same direction as other studies, which report a different incidence of depression between genders (e.g. Alvarado, Zunzunegui, Beland, Tellechea & Sicotte, 2007;Gazalle et al 2004;Papadopoulos et al 2005;Santana & Son, 2007;Sousa Medeiros, Moura Souza & Moreira, 2007;Stek et al, 2006). Thus, gender, as a social and developmental dimension related to depression, ceases to be a possible explanatory factor in this group of institutionalized elderly.…”

“…Djernes, 2006, Papadopoulos et al 2005Stek et al, 2006). With regard to the relation between geriatric depression and age, institutionalized elderly over 75 years old presented higher levels of depression than those younger than 74 years.…”