Factors related to depression in elderly patients attending primary health care centres in Chiclayo (Peru)

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this work is to evaluate the factors related to depression in older adults seen in the health centres of Chiclayo.

Methods: An observational, prospective, analytical study that included adults over 60 years of age residing in the Chiclayo district (Peru). The abbreviated depression scale of Yesavage was used. Univariate analysis was performed, presented as frequencies and percentages, as well as bivariate analysis using chi-squared. Adjusted logistic regressions were calculated for age and gender.

Results: A total of 302 older adults participated in this study. The median age was 73 years. It was found that 30.8 % had depressive signs, and 18.2 % had some degree of cognitive deterioration. Just over half (160, 52.98 %) had a socio-familial risk, and 29 (9.60 %) were detected in the dependent functional assessment. There was an association in the analysis of depression, age group, cognitive impairment, socio-family assessment (P < .05). In the multivariate analysis adjusted for age and gender, cognitive deterioration and socio-family assessment continued to be risk factors.

Conclusions: Depression is associated with a deficiency in the cognitive state, with familial partner risk being an influential factor that may be preventable.

Keywords: Aged; Anciano; Atención primaria de salud; Depresión; Depression; Primary health care; Public health; Salud pública.