Social and physical factors related to depression in the older population of Siberia, Russia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Depression and suicide rates are relatively high in the colder regions of Russia. Older individuals in these regions are especially susceptible to these issues and are understudied in this regard. This study aims to better understand the current depression prevalence, and the factors related to depression, among the older individuals in these colder regions of Russia by studying a population in Novosibirsk oblast. Methods A questionnaire survey was administered to 422 older individuals, assessing basic attributes and health status, and employing the following standardized scales: 8-item Short-Form Health Survey, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants were divided in two groups (GDS ≤ 6, GDS > 6) and compared, using Student’s t test, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis. Results Young old (YO) adults showed significant correlation of depression with asthma (P = 0.005, OR = 6.40, 95%CI: 1.74–23.5), having a spouse (P = 0.016, OR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.14–3.48), and daily communication with others (P < 0.001, OR = 0.336, 95%CI: 0.197–0.572). Among old old (OO) adults, significant correlation with depression was found for the variables work status (P = 0.047, OR = 0.115, 95%CI: 0.014–0.974), and weekly walking (P = 0.014, OR = 0.288, 95%CI: 0.106–0.778). Conclusions Twenty eight percent of the participants have depression. In YO adults, frequent communication and social ties with individuals outside of the family can mitigate depression prevalence. As for OO adults, the factors that have the highest impact on mitigating depression are related to daily activity, including both frequent walking and working or self-employment. Asthma patients are one of the more sensitive groups towards depression, but further research on this topic is needed.

Suicidality Among Men in Russia: A Review of Recent Epidemiological Data

“…Studies of the relationship between psychopathology, substance abuse, and suicide consistently indicate that around 70% of people who die from suicide suffer from an identifiable mental disorder before death. Episodes of major depression associated with a major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder account for at least half of suicide cases [ 42 ]. The prevalence of affective disorders in Russia ranges from 30-40%.…”

“…Episodes of major depression associated with a major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder account for at least half of suicide cases [42]. The prevalence of affective disorders in Russia ranges from 30-40%.…”

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Areas in Thailand

“…Our study demonstrated the consistent finding with previous result from Malaysia, 26 which found that depression was associated with unemployment and low-income older participants, as well as from Russia, which demonstrated that participants who were employed at the time of the study had low ORs for depression. 27 Moreover, this might imply that not having a job might reflect the diminish of physical activity, since lack of physical activity has a negative effect on mental health outcome especially during the pandemic. 28 Hence, our results present that the occupational status of non-workers may have effects on mental health, which should influence policy planners to increase job availability, such as volunteer work, for older adults, as this may decrease their depression symptoms.…”