Depressive symptoms among elderly inpatients of a Brazilian university hospital: prevalence and associated factors.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors among elderly hospital inpatients.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study evaluated 189 participants using the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini-mental State Examination and the Katz and Lawton Index, to assess dependence regarding activities of daily living (ADL).


RESULTS
Most of the participants were women, aged between 60 and 92 years, with low levels of educational attainment and personal income, and non-qualified occupations. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 56%, but only 3% had a psychiatric diagnosis registered in their medical records. Univariate analysis showed significant associations between depressive symptoms and low educational level and income, marital status, number of hospitalizations in the previous year, cognitive decline, dependence regarding basic and instrumental ADL, and death. After logistic regression, the only variables that remained significantly associated with depression were low educational level, dependence regarding basic ADL, and death.


CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms were independently associated with low educational level and dependence regarding basic ADL. Hospitalized elderly people with depressive symptoms were more likely to die. It is essential to diagnose and treat depression properly in this population to minimize its negative impacts.
Mendes-Chiloff
Cristiane Lara
CL
Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Brazil. crislmjoel@uol.com.br
Ramos-Cerqueira
Ana Teresa A
AT
Lima
Maria Cristina Pereira
MC
Torres
Albina Rodrigues
AR
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors