Res Community Public Health Nurs.  2024 Mar;35(1):51-63. 10.12799/rcphn.2023.00388.

Urban-Rural Differences in Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Related Factors Among Older Adults: Findings from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging

• Kim B
• Hwang J
• Kim D
• Kang SJ

• KMID: 2553982
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12799/rcphn.2023.00388

Abstract

Purpose
Many studies exist on factors associated with depressive symptoms in urban and rural older adults; however, studies using a longitudinal design are scarce. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their associated risk factors over time between urban and rural areas using a longitudinal sample of Korean older adults.
Methods
Data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2020) of older adult participants ≥65 years without depressive symptoms were analyzed. A generalized estimating equation model was employed for repeated measures analysis.
Results
As the time of living in the area increased, the prevalence risk of depressive symptoms in older adults increased in urban areas compared to rural areas in adjusted Model 2. In urban areas, less social contact with neighbors was significantly associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. In rural areas, occasional social contact with children was significantly associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was associated with five components of successful aging with some variations observed based on urban and rural residential areas.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that understanding the longitudinal impact of residence on depressive symptoms provides valuable insights into the relationship between urban/rural areas and depressive symptoms. This study highlights the need for nursing intervention efforts aimed at promoting successful aging and increasing social contact with children or neighbors.