A survey on depression status in elderly patients from one community health service center in Shanghai

Abstract

Objective To survey the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related risk factors among elderly patients in primary care settings in Shanghai. Methods Total 1 332 patients aged 60 or above, who were visited Shanghai Shimen Erlu Community Health Service center from April to June of 2011, were included in the survey, including 554 males and 778 females with an average age of 72±11.A screening questionnaire based on the patient health questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)was applied in the survey, the sociodemographic and health-related variables were analyzed, and social support scale was evaluated. Results Total 258 (19.6%) patients had depressive symptoms in this study and 13.4%(176/1 318) of them had minor depression.The average social support score was (33.2±8.9)．There were significant differences in subjective support, objective support and usage of support between the depressive and non-depressive patients (t＝6.37, 3.83, 2.72 respectively，P<0.01)．There were 5 variables into logistic regression equation including relationship with spouses, life satisfaction, percentage of medical costs over total household expenses, outdoor exercise and objective social support. Conclusions Marital disharmony, poor life satisfaction, the burden of medical costs, less exercises and less objective support are the main risk factors associated with depression status of elderly patients in the community. Key words: Community health services; Aged; Depression