J Korean Geriatr Psychiatry.  2021 Oct;25(2):120-127. 10.47825/jkgp.2021.25.2.120.

An Investigation of Factors Affecting Elderly Depression in Korea

• Kim Y
• Han MI
• Park JI
• Chung S

• KMID: 2522206
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.47825/jkgp.2021.25.2.120

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the related factors of elderly depression among Korean adults aged 60 years and above.
Methods
From the database of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2018, data of 2,288 adults over age 60 who responded to the questionnaires of health interview were included in this study. We analyzed the data using logistic regression analysis.
Results
According to our results, the number of chronic diseases seemed to be associated with depression in elderly people, es-pecially when they have more than 4 chronic diseases. Poorer self-rated health was identified as a significant factor and the odd ratio was the highest among all independent variables in our study. Walking over 10 minutes more than 4 times a week was considered as a protective factor for elderly depression. The association between education level and depression was inconsistent. Variables such as female gender, single status, smoking showed statistically insignificant results. Older age itself was not identified as a risk factor as odd ratios of all groups (over age 65) compared to reference group (age 60-64) were below 1.
Conclusion
This study confirms several related factors for elderly depression. Having more than 4 chronic diseases, poorer self-rated health were identified as a significant risk factor for depression. Regular walking was considered as a protective factor for elderly depression. The knowledge of these factors might help to manage risks of elderly depression and devise early intervention approaches.

Keyword

Aged; Depression; Self-evaluation; Risk factors