Avaliação da prevalência e os fatores associados à depressão em idosos

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with depression in the elderly. Method: A cross-sectional study with 312 individuals aged 60 years and over, selected by convenience at a health clinic at the Catholic University of Pelotas, in the period from August to December 2016. To assess depression the Yesavage Abridged Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used; eating habits and sleeping quality were evaluated through domains of the BRIAN scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Data analysis was performed using Poisson regression model with robust estimation of variance in the crude and adjusted analyzes. Results: The prevalence of depression observed in the elderly was (30,5%), higher rates of depression in women (35.9%); economic class D/E (30.8%); not practicing physical activity (36.5%); elderly with food consumption difficulties (66.7%); poor sleep quality (57.1%) and who used medication daily to sleep (45.3%). In the adjusted analysis, the variables statistically associated with the outcome were: practice of physical activity (p = 0.007), use medication daily to sleep (p = 0.001) and good sleep quality (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The results showed that the lifestyle of the elderly, should be rethought. In this way, it is inherent to adopt prevention strategies and health promotion, in order to minimize the risks and negative impacts on the quality of life of the elderly. Descriptors: elderly; aging; depression; eating habits; sleep quality.