Analysis of the relative factors of depression in hospitalized elderly patients with chronic diseases

Abstract

Objective To investigate the relative factors of depression in elderly inpatients with multiple chronic diseases. Methods A total of 438 elderly inpatients with multiple chronic diseases were investigated and analyzed by the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Results Among 438 elderly inpatients with chronic diseases, 154 cases (35.15%) were accompanied by depression.The rates of female, non-marital status (single/widowed/divorced), lower income, frequent fall and insomnia were significantly higher in depression group than in non-depression group (P=0.02, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, respectively). The scores of cognitive function, nutritional status and activities of daily living were significantly lower in depression group than in non-depression group (P=0.03, 0.00, 0.00, respectively), and the pain score was significantly higher in depression group than in non-depression group (P=0.00). The prevalence of diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was significantly higher in depression group (P=0.03, 0.04; respectively). Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that non-marital status, low income, insomnia, cognitive impairment, malnutrition and diabetes could significantly increase the risk of depression in elderly patients with chronic diseases (OR=2.291, 2.065, 2.384, 2.965, 2.561, 1.949, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions Female, non-marital status, falls, insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, malnutrition, decreased viability of daily life, diabetes, chronic pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are positively associated with the late-life depression.Among them, non-marital status, low income, insomnia, cognitive dysfunction, malnutrition and diabetes could markedly increase the risk of depression in elderly patients with chronic diseases. Key words: Comprehensive geriatric assessment; Depression; Risk factors