title: The relationship between geriatric depression and health-promoting behaviors among community-dwelling seniors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  People older than 65 years old account for about 10.9% of Taiwan's total population; it is also known that the older adults experience a higher incidence of depression. Public health nurses play an important role in promoting community health. Policymaking for community healthcare should reflect the relationship between health-promoting behavior and depression in community-dwelling seniors. Therefore, the encouragement of healthy aging requires strategic planning by those who provide health promotion services.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to elicit the health-promoting behaviors of community seniors and investigate the relationship between geriatric depression and health-promoting behaviors among seniors who live in rural communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used a cross-sectional, descriptive design and collected data using a demographic information datasheet, the Health Promotion for Seniors and Geriatric Depression Scale short forms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 427 participants. Most were women; mean age was 75.8 years. Most were illiterate; roughly half engaged in a limited number of health-promoting activities. The Geriatric Depression Scale score was negatively associated with health-promoting behavior. Social participation, health responsibility, self-protection, active lifestyle, and total Health Promotion for Seniors score all reached statistical significance. Multivariate analysis indicated that geriatric depression and physical discomfort were independent predictors of health-promoting behavior after controlling the confounding factors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants practiced less than the recommended level of health-promoting behaviors. We found a negative correlation between the geriatric depression score and health-promoting behavior. Results can be referenced to develop strategies to promote healthy aging in the community, especially with regard to promoting greater social participation and increased activity for community-dwelling older adults experiencing depression.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology.
authors.forename: Chyong-Fang
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Mei-Hsiang
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Jeng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jun-Yu
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Li-Na
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Mei-Yen
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012648:Self Care; D058992:Social Participation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires