FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objective: To analyze factors associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2019 and March 2020 with 618 older adults from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, association tests, and logistic regression. Results: Depressive symptoms were identified in 18.0% of participants. Factors associated with the presence of symptoms included insufficient income to cover expenses (OR=2.908; 95%IC:1.755–4.821; p<0.001), self-perceived memory as fair (OR=2.371; 95%IC:1.367–4.112; p=0.002) or poor/very poor (OR=7.703; 95%IC:1.293–6.655; p=0.010), self-rated health as poor/very poor (OR=2.698; 95%IC:1.297–5.611; p=0.008), lack of light physical activity (OR=1.967; 95%IC:1.222–3.164; p=0.005), and frailty (OR=2.161; 95%IC:1.121–4.164; p=0.021). Conclusion: Depressive symptoms affect a substantial proportion of older adults and are associated with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, negative health perception, and frailty. Early screening is essential to guide strategies that promote healthy aging.