Psychosocial and physical factors associated with depression in older adults living in studio apartments: A cross-sectional study of a multi-ethnic Asian population

Abstract

Background: There is a rapidly ageing population globally, leading to a rise in subsidised public housing in many countries for older adults. According to the World Health Organisation, depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in older adults. There is a gap in literature on the factors associated with depression in those residing in studio apartments for older adults, characterised by small living spaces and isolated community settings. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between socio-demographic variables, social support, self-perceived health and mental status, life satisfaction, exercise, physical functioning, chronic conditions, and the use of eldercare services, with depressive symptoms. Methods: We utilised a cross-sectional study of older adults aged ⩾55 years residing in Singapore’s studio apartments. Multivariable logistic regression was applied. Results: Widowhood was associated with depressive symptoms, compared to being married or having a domestic partner (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01 to 2.86). Odds of depressive symptoms were associated with difficulty bathing and showering (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI = 1.06 to 13.21). Depressive symptoms were associated with cataract (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.01 to 2.77) and urinary tract disorder (AOR = 4.70, 95% CI = 1.21 to 18.26). There were dose-response relationships between higher odds of depressive symptoms and poorer social support, self-perceived mental health, life satisfaction, and exercise behaviour ( p for trend < 0.001). Conclusion: Factors including widowhood, physical functioning difficulty, chronic conditions, low social support, low self-perceived mental health, poor life satisfaction, and lack of exercise behaviour, were associated with depressive symptoms in older adults residing in studio apartments. More attention is needed to care for the psychosocial and physical needs of older adults in studio apartments.

Social support moderates the association of functional difficulty with major depression among community-dwelling older adults: evidence from LASI, 2017–18

“…The results revealed that marital status was a significant predictor for major depression among older adults, indicating that currently unmarried older adults who are predominantly those who widowed in the current study have higher levels of depression than married people. This significant association is supported by substantial literature from India as well as other countries [ 26 , 63 , 64 ]. Gahler highlights that marital dissolution is associated with severe social discord and confers an increased risk for psychological distress and overall health deterioration [ 65 ].…”

“…This study found that highly educated older adults have lower chances of depression. Previous findings also reported a negative association between educational attainment and depression [ 58 , 59 , 61 , 64 ]. Higher educational attainment can reduce the risk of depression since those who are educated may be more aware of availability and accessibility of the health services, and may have better healthcare utilization and improved health behavior among older adults [ 73 ].…”

Determinan yang Berhubungan dengan Risiko Depresi pada Lansia

“…Faktor status pernikahan seperti telah menjanda, kesulitan fungsi fisik, kondisi kronis, dukungan sosial yang rendah, kesehatan mental yang dianggap rendah, kepuasan hidup yang buruk dan kurangnya perilaku olahraga dikaitkan dengan gejala depresi pada orang lansia. Perhatian lebih diperlukan untuk merawat kebutuhan psikososial dan fisik lansia yang mengalami risiko depresi tersebut (Sum et al, 2019). Hasil temuan Chen et al, (2019) menggunakan metode meta-analisis kualitatif menunjukkan bahwa kehilangan, gangguan tidur, kecacatan, depresi sebelumnya dan jenis kelamin perempuan merupakan faktor risiko yang signifikan.…”

“…Penelitian berkelanjutan di bidang ini diperlukan untuk memahami jalur etiologis yang mendasari asosiasi ini dan poin intervensi yang dapat dimodifikasi untuk mengurangi beban depresi akhir hidup yang tidak proporsional di antara sub kelompok populasi dengan risiko tertinggi (Mohd et al, 2019) Selanjutnya, faktor status pernikahan seperti telah menjanda, kesulitan fungsi fisik, kondisi kronis, dukungan sosial yang rendah, kesehatan mental yang dianggap rendah, kepuasan hidup yang buruk dan kurangnya perilaku olahraga dikaitkan dengan gejala depresi pada orang lansia. Perhatian lebih diperlukan untuk merawat kebutuhan psikososial dan fisik lansia yang mengalami risiko depresi tersebut (Sum et al, 2019).…”