Undertreatment of depressive symptomatology in the elderly living in long stay institutions (LSIs) and in the community in Brazil.
The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of depressive symptomatology among elderly residents in long stay institution (LSI) and in the community of Recife, Brazil. In total, 81 LSI elderly patients (mean age of 75.55 + or - 9.18 years) and 132 elderly (mean age of 73.14 + or - 8.27 years) individuals from the community were evaluated. Depressive symptomatology was assessed by the geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), cognitive status by the mini mental state examination (MMSE) and capacity to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) by the Katz Index. Comorbidities and the use of medication were recorded. The LSI elderly exhibited more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) and more dependency (p < 0.001). We observed no differences in MMSE (p = 0.058). The elderly in the community displayed more comorbidities and the LSI elderly consumed more medication (p < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). According to multivariate analysis (logistic regression), being male, having no spouse and having a low schooling level are risk factors for depressive symptoms. In conclusion, most elderly with depressive symptoms received no medication for depression.
Cardiorespiratory Physical Therapy Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Recife-PE, 50.670 901, Brazil. patmarinho@yahoo.com.br
Patrícia E M
PE
Marinho
Keyla P B
KP
Melo
Amanda D
AD
Apolinário
Emanuelle
E
Bezerra
Júlia
J
Freitas
Diógenes M
DM
Melo
Ricardo O
RO
Guerra
Arméle
A
Dornelas de Andrade
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012114:Residential Treatment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires