Functional status and depressive symptoms among older adults from residential care facilities in the Czech Republic.
BACKGROUND
Depressive symptoms are common among older adults, particularly those living in long-term care facilities. However, little is known about factors associated with depressive symptoms among long-term care residents in the Czech Republic and in other Eastern European countries. Moreover, the role of mobility and pain in depressive symptoms among long-term care residents is relatively understudied.


OBJECTIVE
We examined the relationship between functional status and depressive symptoms in 308 older adults from residential care facilities (RCFs) in the Czech Republic.


METHODS
We used baseline data from two randomized controlled trials testing the effects of dance and reminiscence therapies on quality of life in older RCF residents. Functional status was measured as cognitive function, general ability to perform basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), mobility, and functional limitation by pain. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale.


RESULTS
In multiple regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors and taking antidepressants, we found that cognitive function and functional limitation by pain were most strongly associated with depressive symptoms. The ability to perform basic ADLs and mobility were also related to depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest factors that may be important in efforts to improve psychological well-being in this population.
Vanková
Hana
H
Centre of Gerontology, Prague, Czech Republic. h.van@seznam.cz
Holmerová
Iva
I
Andel
Ross
R
Veleta
Petr
P
Janecková
Hana
H
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018153:Czech Republic; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D012044:Regression Analysis