Abstract
(1) Background: Major causes of the burden of disease in older persons include mental disorders and neurological diseases, such as depression. This study aims to explore the prevalence of older people at risk for depression and identify the factors associated with this risk in rural Vietnam. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Soc Son, Hanoi with 523 community dwelling elders aged 60 and over. Face-to-face interviews were performed to collect data about socioeconomic status, risk for depression, health status, and health utilization. The Geriatric Depression Scale-4 items (GDS-4) was used to assess the risk for depression occurrence. Multivariable logistic regression was employed for determining the factors associated with the risk for depression. (3) Results: Among 523 participants, there were 26.4% of participants at risk for depression. The proportion of females at risk for depression (29.0%) was significantly higher than males (20.4%). Differences were found in economic status (near poor group had higher risk for depression compared to the poor group) (p < 0.01). Older adults living with spouse/partner, living in near-poor household, and suffering pain/discomfort were all more likely to be at risk for depression. (4) Conclusions: Being female, living in a near poor household, being in pain or experiencing discomfort are all factors strongly correlated to high risk for depression. These findings highlight the urgent need for additional research among Vietnamese community-dwelling older people.
Highlights
Improved life expectancies due to economic development and better living conditions have dramatically shifted demographic structures worldwide
This study aims to explore the prevalence of older people at risk for depression and identify the factors associated with this risk in rural Vietnam
The prevalence of depression among older people has varied, but one study found at rate of 17.2% for older community-dwelling adults living in rural Vietnam (8)
Summary
Improved life expectancies due to economic development and better living conditions have dramatically shifted demographic structures worldwide. In 2050, 17% of the world’s population is expected to be aged 65 or older [1]. The unprecedented growth of an aging population is posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide, including Vietnam [2]. By 2049, one in every four people will be 60 years or older, accounting for 25% of the country’s population [1]. Research has found that having a higher life expectancy does not equate to individuals living healthier, especially in their old age [3,4]. Like many of its counterparts, will face numerous challenges as it prepares its healthcare system to support the unmet needs of its older people
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