Mental Health and Its Risk Factors in Community Elderly with Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Background: Understanding the mental health status of the elderly with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) in community and analyzing its related factors are essential for improving the quality of life of the elderly. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed, and a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect basic information, personal health status and lifestyle. Mental health status was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). A multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the factors associated with mental health. Results: The abnormal rate of general mental health status in the elderly with CNCDs was 26.16%. Specifically, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 11.39%, 19.83%, and 7.59%, respectively. Sleep disorder was an independent risk factor for depression, anxiety, stress and general abnormal mental health status (odds ratios (ORs): 2.99, 4.61, 10.78 and 4.14, respectively). Sedentary time was independently associated with general abnormal mental health status with an OR 2.33 for sedentary time>4 hours per day. Drinking was independently associated with depression (OR: 5.51). Women elderly had higher risk for general abnormal mental health status with an OR of 3.23. Conclusions: Drinking, sedentary lifestyle, sleep disorders and female were potential independent risk factor for abnormal mental health in the elderly with CNCDs. Our findings may lay the foundation for future interventions.