Psychosocial Predictors Of Depression In Elderly Patients Of A Brazilian Health Unit

Abstract

In a community, depression can affect 30% to 45% of the elderly people. The consequences of this disease in the third age are numerous and adverse. Many researches have reported that depression is associated with a set of psychosocial factors. In this context, the perceived social support and general selfefficacy occupy an important position. Hence, the aim of this study is to confirm if the perceived social support and the general self-efficacy are predictors of depression in Brazilian senior citizen patients of a Health Basic Unit. The sample comprised 144 elderly people (M age=69.3; SD=6.61) of both genders.The data were collected through a questionnaire which included socio-demographic questions and scales for the studied psychosocial dimensions. The results showed that perceived social support and selfefficacy are predictors of depression in the studied Brazilian elderly. Future interventions under the scope of mental health promotion and depression prevention in elderly people must consider these determinants as a way to increase their efficacy.