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Depression and chronic medical illnesses in Asian older adults: the role of subjective health and functional status
- Authors:
- NITI Matthew, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(11), November 2007, pp.1087-1094.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Depression in elderly is reportedly associated with a number of specific chronic illnesses. Whether each of these co-morbid associations results uniquely from disease-specific psychobiological responses or is mediated by non-specific factors like subjective health and functional status is unclear. Analysis of data of 2,611 community-dwelling Chinese aged 55 and older, including depressive symptoms defined by Geriatric Depression Scale score 5 and self-reports of specific chronic illnesses. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 13.3%, lower in those without chronic illness (7.5%), and higher in those with illnesses (13.2-24.2%). Crude Odds Ratios (OR) were significantly elevated for hypertension, eye disorders, diabetes, arthritis, ischemic heart disease, asthma/COPD, stroke, osteoporosis, heart failure, thyroid problem, and gastric problem. In multivariable analyses, only asthma/COPD, gastric problem, arthritis and heart failure remained independently associated with depressive symptoms, after adjusting for comorbidities, subjective health and functional status, cognitive functioning, smoking, alcohol, psychosocial and demographic variables. Most comorbid associations of depressive symptoms with specific chronic illnesses are explained by accompanying poor self-reported health and functional status, but some illnesses probably have a direct psychobiological basis.
The challenges of conducting focus-group research among Asian older adults
- Author:
- MEHTA Kalyani K.
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 31(3), April 2011, pp.408-421.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This paper investigates the value of focus groups as a data collection method in studies of older people with particular reference to those living in large cities in Asia. Some of the method's strengths derive from the interaction among older people with a shared history and lived experiences. Focus-group exchanges have the potential for inter-personal learning and reminiscence benefits. One difficulty with the method, however, is that many Asian people are inhibited about sharing personal problems in a group context. The paper draws from a number of studies in Singapore, and highlights the challenges of conducting focus groups with older participants. Ethical issues such as confidentiality, cultural sensitivities such as language and respect for religion and tradition are discussed. Also, lessons learnt from conducting research using the group setting are discussed. Culturally relevant responses to these challenges are offered which could be useful for future researchers in Asia.
Giving help in return: family reciprocity by older Singaporeans
- Authors:
- VERBRUGGE Lois M., CHAN Angelique
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 28(1), January 2008, pp.5-34.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Reciprocity is a powerful principle in social ties. The ethos of family reciprocity is especially strong in Asian societies. In this study, the authors examine study contemporaneous family exchanges, hypothesising that the more current help older Singaporeans receive from family, the more they give in return. Cross-sectional analyses were undertaken of data from two national Singapore surveys conducted in 1995 and 1999. The help received by older people is measured by income and cash support, payment of household expenses by others, having a companion for away-from-home activities, and having a principal carer. The help given by older people is measured by baby-sitting, doing household chores, giving financial help to children, and advising on family matters. Multivariate models are used to examine the factors that affect an older person's ability and willingness to give help. The results show that the more financial support Singapore seniors received from kin, the more baby-sitting and chores they provided. In their swiftly modernising society, Singapore seniors are maintaining family reciprocity by giving time in return for money. The article discusses how during the coming decades, reciprocity in Southeast and East Asian societies may shift from instrumental to more affective behaviours.
Perceptions of remarriage by widowed people in Singapore
- Author:
- MEHTA Kalyani K.
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing International, 27(4), December 2003, pp.93-107.
- Publisher:
- Springer
- Place of publication:
- New York
A study of attitudes to remarriage in later life among different ethnic groups in Singapore provides a counterpoint to studies in the West and illustrates the importance of cultural attitudes and religious beliefs. A survey of elderly Chinese, Malay, and Indian widows and widowers shows them overwhelmingly negative or indifferent to ideas of remarriage, although there are some variations by ethnic group and gender. There is a strong tradition in Asia of incorporating the widowed parent into a multigenerational family household, and views of adult children towards remarriage, presumed to be hostile to the remarriage of a parent, are given considerable salience. It is not generally thought appropriate for elderly people to have or express sexual needs and a marriage partnership may not be seen as ended by the death of a partner.
Recent trends in elderly suicide rates in a multi-ethnic Asian city
- Authors:
- KUA Eee-Heok, KO Soo-Meng, NG Tze-Pin
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(6), June 2003, pp.533-536.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
There are a few reports on the trends of elderly suicide rates in western countries but none from Asian countries. This article describe the trends of elderly suicide rates of Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore from 1991 to 2000. Overall, the suicide rates for the elderly showed a decline from 40.1 per 100,000 in 1990 to 17.8 per 100,000 in 2000, with the most pronounced decline occurring from 1995 to 2000. The suicide rate for elderly Chinese was at a peak of 52 per 100,000 in 1995 and declined to 20 per 100,000 in 2000. The rates for elderly Malays were consistently low at 2.2 per 100,000 for the 10 years; for elderly Indians the rates were between the other two ethnic groups. In the 10-year period, the elderly suicide rates in Singapore declined markedly, especially for elderly Chinese.