Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in the Elderly Population Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Introduction: A sharp rise in the population of elderly people, who are more prone to somatic and mental diseases, combined with the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetes-associated complications in this age group, have an impact on the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Aim of the work: The work of the study was the evaluation of the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the elderly population diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: The pilot study was conducted in 2019 among 200 people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus, aged 65 years and above, receiving treatment in a specialist diabetes outpatient clinic. The study was based on a questionnaire aimed at collecting basic sociodemographic and clinical data and the complete geriatric depression scale (GDS, by Yesavage) consisting of 30 questions. Results: The study involved 200 patients receiving treatment in a diabetes outpatient clinic. The mean age of the study subjects was 71.4 ± 5.0 years. The vast majority of the subjects (122; 61%) were women, with men accounting for 39% of the study population (78 subjects). A statistically significant difference in the GDS (p < 0.01) was shown for marital status, body mass index (BMI), duration of diabetes, and the number of comorbidities. Patients with results indicative of symptoms of mild and severe depression were found to have higher BMI, longer disease duration, and a greater number of comorbidities. There were no statistically significant differences in the level of HbA1c. Conclusions: In order to verify the presence of depressive symptoms in the group of geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus, an appropriate screening programme must be introduced to identify those at risk and refer them to specialists, so that treatment can be promptly initiated. Screening tests conducted by nurses might help with patient identification.

Estratégia educacional para a promoção do autocuidado entre idosos diabéticos assistidos na atenção primária à saúde

“…Fatores psicossociais também foram relatados, a presença de sintomas depressivos em pacientes geriátricos é um fator que contribui para a deterioração de sua qualidade de vida. O planejamento e a implementação de triagem para questões de saúde mental na população idosa diagnosticada com uma doença relacionada ao estilo de vida, como o diabetes mellitus tipo 2, com comorbidades existentes, devem ser reconhecidos como um dos objetivos mais importantes do sistema de saúde pública (Dziedzic et al, 2020).…”

Adherence problems in elderly patients with hypertension

“…The total GDS score may range between 0 and 15 points, and higher GDS scores indicate more severe symptoms of depression. Therefore, scores of six and above are interpreted as indicative of a depressive disorder [17]. The GDS has good psychometric properties and high reliability with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.94 [18].…”

The Effectiveness of the Integrated Care Model among Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Depression: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Since the growing number of older adults correlates with an increase in the number of depression cases, it was important to recognize depressive symptoms in the early stage, and perform appropriate intervention and treatments as soon as possible [ 5 , 26 , 27 ] for achieving better health. The interventions for decreasing depression include social support [ 28 ], exercise [ 29 ] and physical activities, reminiscence therapy, aid in daily activities, and adequate social resources [ 30 , 31 ].…”