Abstract
Background:Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and their aggravation have been studied extensively in the general population. However, there are few studies on depression in older adults and the few existing results may be contradictory, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with depression in older adults in two coastal regions of Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study uses an analytical cross-sectional design in a population of older adults, who participated in a non-governmental ambulatory social support program in Callao and Ica, two coastal regions of Peru. We administered an on-site structured questionnaire to record sociodemographic data, the Geriatric Depression Scale by Yesavage to measure depression, and the Barthel Index to assess physical function. In order to determine cognitive impairment as an exclusion criterion, the MEC-30 was used. The association between variables was assessed through contingency tables, using the odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding confidence interval (95% CI) and the X2 test. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Out of the 244 older adults surveyed, 39% had depressive symptoms, of which 28.3% (n=69) and 10.7% (n=26) were moderately and severely depressive, respectively. The findings significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms were being 76 years old or older [p=0.005, OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.29-4.20], not participating in weekly recreational activities [p=0.004, OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.31-3.99] and the presence of comorbidities [p=0.026, OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.07-3.29]. Conclusion: There are few studies exploring depression in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic; this research shows the importance of mental health care in this population and, particularly, of those who are 76 or older because they suffer from comorbid conditions and have interrupted recreational activities.
Highlights
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was concerned with the aging population, a situation that was by no means alien to developing countries.[1,2] In the same context, the relationship between older age and health status is well known; the former is the expression of a process that occurs throughout life and involves changes in biopsychosocial and cognitive aspects; the latter is a biopsychosocial construct based on a variety of circumstances that have to do with physical and mental adaptation and the environment.[3,4]Depression is a common condition in older adults
There are few studies exploring depression in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic; this research shows the importance of mental health care in this population and, of those who are 76 or older because they suffer from comorbid conditions and have interrupted recreational activities
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with depression in older adults, under COVID-19 pandemic conditions, producing evidence to guide interventions that contribute to the improvement of the care and quality of life of this vulnerable population
Summary
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the world was concerned with the aging population, a situation that was by no means alien to developing countries.[1,2] In the same context, the relationship between older age and health status is well known; the former is the expression of a process that occurs throughout life and involves changes in biopsychosocial and cognitive aspects; the latter is a biopsychosocial construct based on a variety of circumstances that have to do with physical and mental adaptation and the environment.[3,4]Depression is a common condition in older adults. A study conducted in Peru determined depressive disorders in older adults in rural communities of high Andean regions during the period 2013-2017 This identified 40.2% of people suffering some kind of depression according to the Yesavage questionnaire.[9] a subsequent study showed an estimated prevalence of depression in older adults of 14% and identified risk factors such as female gender, being 75 or older, living without a partner, low income, rurality and having at least one disability.[10]. Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and their aggravation have been studied extensively in the general population. The findings significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms were being 76 years old or older [p=0.005, OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.29-4.20], not participating in weekly recreational activities [p=0.004, OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.31-3.99] and the presence of comorbidities [p=0.026, OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.07-3.29]
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