Abstract
The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in elderly residents of the rural area of Rio Grande/RS. In this cross-sectional population-based study performed with 994 elderly (≥ 60 years), whose sampling was based on the 2010 Demographic Census, the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used for Major Depressive Episode (EDM) screening. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. The overall prevalence for Major Depressive Episode screening was 8.1%. The variables independently associated with depression were: female gender, continuous use of medications, chronic diseases, body mass index and worse health perception. The creation of programs target at the elderly in the rural area, aimed at screening, early diagnosis of depression and maintenance of treatment, encompassing several factors related to health, are important actions that must be fostered by the health system.
Highlights
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders around the world, affecting about 350 million people[1]
The study had a total of 1,130 eligible individuals and 1,030 elderly interviewed, corresponding to a rate of losses and refusals of 8.9%. 994 elderly people in the rural area of Rio Grande responded to Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) completely, resulting in 10.1% of losses, 1.9% of refusals and a response rate of 88%
This study identified that 8.1% of the elderly in the rural area of Rio Grande (RS) fulfilled the criteria for screening for Major Depressive Episode
Summary
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders around the world, affecting about 350 million people[1]. It was the second largest cause of Years Lived with Disabilities (YLDs) in 2013, impairing 5% to 10% of the adult population at a global level[2]. The prevalence of depression in the elderly varies between geographic regions, as well as between urban and rural centers. The Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS)[9], which evaluated populations living in urban and rural areas in Brazil found that 7.6% of individuals older than 18 years were diagnosed with depression, with a higher proportion in the 60-64 years age group (11.1%) and prevalence of 5.6% in rural adults. Munhoz et al.[10] found a prevalence of 4.1% among Brazilian adults
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
