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Factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adults living alone: an analysis of sex difference
- Authors:
- LIN Pao-Chen, WANG Hsiu-Hung
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 15(8), November 2011, pp.1038-1044.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated risk factors among older people living alone. Participants included 117 women and 75 men aged 65 and over who lived alone in Tainan, Taiwan. The Chinese version of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors of depressive symptoms. Findings indicated that the elderly women had a 1.6-fold greater prevalence of depressive symptoms than men. Women aged 85 and above, and had less social support, had a significantly higher occurrence rate of depressive symptoms. The risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly men living alone included educational level, religious beliefs, number of chronic illnesses, and social support. The authors concluded that healthcare providers should consider the gender difference on risk factors of depressive symptoms when planning mental health services for the older population in Taiwan.