Risk and Preventive Factors for Depressive Symptoms Among Older Chilean Adults During the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To specifically examine the multiple factors related to the increase in depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak in older adults in Chile. Method A longitudinal study was conducted using a dataset from a nationally representative survey cohort of Chilean older adults followed at three time points during the COVID-19 outbreak. The main outcome was depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire scale). The independent variables included: age, sex, educational level, geographic area, living alone, self-perceived health, self-reported resilience, loneliness, and social isolation. Results A total of 424 older adults were included. Female sex (β = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.22 to 1.68) and loneliness (β = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.37) were the main risk factors for an increase in depressive symptoms in older adults. In contrast, living outside the metropolitan region (β=-0.70, 95% CI: −1.39 to −0.02), living in company (β=-0.34, 95% CI:-1.24 to 0.56), having better self-perceived health (β=-5.04, 95% CI:-6.33 to −3.75) and greater resilience (β=-0.30, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.23) were preventive factors. Conclusion These results provide useful evidence to develop mental health prevention or control strategies for older adults. Clinical Implications The findings highlight the importance of a holistic approach to health care for older adults that integrates strategies to address loneliness, foster resilience, and promote an active social life.