The incidence of depression among residents of assisted living: prevalence and related risk factors

Abstract

AimThis study aims to recognize and estimate the prevalence of depression and its risk factors among residents of assisted living facilities (ALs) in Jordan.BackgroundDepression is commonly experienced by residents of ALs. The condition is, however, often misunderstood as a part of normal aging and may be overlooked by health care professionals. Little is known about the extent of depression and its risk factors among AL residents in Jordan.Subjects and methodsA national representative sample of 221 residents selected from all AL units across Jordan was recruited to the study. Data on expected risk factors for depression were collected, including sociodemographics; smoking status; number of roommates; number of family members; assessments for cognitive functioning, for lower limb functioning, for hand, shoulder, and arm impairments; and oral health status. Levels of depression among the sample respondents were also assessed.ResultsThe study found that around 60% of the participants reported depressive manifestations, with 48.0% of AL residents exhibiting impaired cognitive functions, one-third (33.2%) having >50% upper limb disability, two-thirds (63.2%) being at moderate risk of falls, and 69.7% having fair to poor oral health status. Being female, and having a higher level of education, disability of the upper limbs, and impairment of cognitive functions were found to be independent risk factors for depression in participants.ConclusionDepression is relatively common among residents of AL units in Jordan. Health care professionals, nurses, physiotherapists, and dentists working in these facilities need to work cooperatively to identify the manifestations of depression in residents and collaboratively implement the best practice in the treatment of depression and circumvent its long-term impacts on the health of residents.

The Relationship Between Depression and Cognitive Deterioration in Elderly Persons

“…In our study, the presence of a high prevalence of depression coincides with other studies conducted in the institutionalized gerontological population (Almomani & Bani-Issa, 2017;Selbaek et al, 2013). Depressive symptomatology has not been able to be associated with functional capacity in either group, but it has been proven in longitudinal studies.…”

Social participation and depressive symptoms among older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic in Serbia: A cross-sectional study

“… 34 The prevalence of depression in older adults living in nursing homes is almost twice as high as that for the older adults living in the community. 35 Although depressive disorders in old age can be prevented, they often go unnoticed in nursing home residents, therefore untreated. 32 This all culminates in the pandemic situation and can result in lower quality of life in those affected, poorer physical functioning, premature death, and higher hospitalization rates.…”

Relationship of stigmatization and social support with depression and anxiety among cognitively intact older adults

“…Jordanian older adults residing in LTCFs are suffering from a wide range of physical and mental health problems ( Almomani and Bani-Issa, 2017 ). These problems could be explained partially by a lack of proper care.…”

“…These problems could be explained partially by a lack of proper care. Depression, in particular, is a widespread mental health problem among older adults in Jordan ( Almomani and Bani-Issa, 2017 ; Hayajneh et al., 2020 ). Moreover, depression and anxiety have been linked with the deterioration of cognitive ability among older adults ( Rodda et al., 2011 ; Skoog, 2011 ; Yazdkhasti, 2010 ).…”