Abstract
Background
the complex interaction between social, psychological and biological factors, which result in depression, may accelerate the decrease in functional capacity and, consequently, the quality of life of the older adults.
Objective
This research aimed to investigate the factors associated with suggestive symptoms of depression in older adults of primary health care in a municipality in northwest Paraná.
Method
Epidemiological, cross-sectional and population-based study was carried out in 12 basic health units, with 654 older adult men and women. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), short version, as well an instrument to characterize the participants sociodemographic profile. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and Poisson regression (p <0.05).
Results
Results showed that there seems to be an association of the older adult with good health perception (p = 0.001), when they did not take medication (p = 0.001), have not suffered falls in the last six months (p = 0.011) and have not presented comorbidities (p = 0.001) in the absence of depressive symptoms. Older adult with self-perceived regular health (PR = 1.733; 95% CI = 1280-2.347) and poor health (PR = 2.222; 95% CI = 1.525-3.237) showed a higher prevalence ratio for the presence of depression.
Conclusion
Older adult with worse self-perceived health showed a higher prevalence ratio of presenting suggestive symptoms of depression.
Keywords:
aging; depression; basic attention; health promotion