Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Older Adult Public Housing Residents

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the prevalence of and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adult residents of a public housing apartment. Self-reported depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) 8. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors of sociodemographic information, cardiovascular health history, and history of depression. Fifty-eight of 171 residents responded, and 31% of residents met the CES-D 8 criterion for depression (total score >7). Sequential multiple regression models identified age, loss of loved ones in the past year, and financial worries as significant predictors of CES-D 8 scores. These study results have implications for future studies of depressive symptoms in older adults, suggesting that grief and financial assistance programs may help reduce risks associated with depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults living in public housing.

Loneliness and Depression Among Older Adults in Urban Subsidized Housing

“…Demographic variables. Previous studies have found that gender, marital status, educational level, age, and race are associated with depression among older adults (Akincigil et al, 2011;Barry, Allore, Guo, Bruce, & Gill, 2008;Robison et al, 2009;Shin et al, 2014). The following six basic demographic variables were therefore considered as background information: age (in years), gender (female = 1, male = 0), marital status (1 = married/partnered; 0 = not married/not partnered), educational attainment (≥high school graduate = 1, <high school graduate = 0), Black (1 = yes, 0 = no), and Latino/ Hispanic (1 = yes, no = 0).…”

“…Their analysis also found that younger age, more chronic conditions, and social distress were related to major depressive disorders in both populations. Shin, Sims, Bradley, Pohlig, and Harrison's (2014) survey of 58 older public housing residents in Delaware found that 31% met the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) eight-item scale criterion for depression, and significant predictors were younger age, loss of loved ones in the prior year, and financial worries. None of these studies, however, examined the prevalence of loneliness in this population.…”

Loneliness in senior housing communities

“…On the other hand, rates of loneliness could be higher in senior housing communities in comparison to community-dwelling older adults because residents experience higher levels of risk factors associated with loneliness. This includes having lower income, being single (as opposed to being married or partnered), and having greater health and mental health vulnerabilities (LeadingAge, 2010; Shin, Sims, Bradley, Pohlig, & Harrison, 2014; Gonyea et al, 2016; Robinson et al, 2009). Additionally, residents may have relocated away from their family and friends.…”

When More Than Exercise Is Needed to Increase Chances of Aging in Place: Qualitative Analysis of a Telehealth Physical Activity Program to Improve Mobility in Low-Income Older Adults

“…Given current research on the intersections between low income, isolation, and depression, as well as other mental health issues, those initial responses and the 2017 interview replies are not surprising. For example, an earlier research review by Golant [20] noted that “an emerging literature casts doubt on whether staying put can be a one-size-fits-all solution.” Shin et al [21] noted the prevalence of depression for residents of public housing; Xiang et al [22] identified this depression as stemming from unmet needs. A National Council on Aging survey [23] highlighted the vulnerability of low-income adults; Brown et al [24] reported that nearly 40% of homeless adults had depression.…”