title: Subthreshold Depression and Clinically Significant Depression in an Italian Population of 70-74-Year-Olds: Prevalence and Association with Perceptions of Self.
abstract: Estimates of depressive disorders in the elderly vary depending on how cases are defined. We estimated the prevalence of subthreshold depression (SD) and clinically significant depression (D) in a population of 70-74-year-olds. We also looked for associations with sociodemographic factors and perceptions of self. Participants underwent a multidimensional assessment (social, medical, and neuropsychological). The estimated prevalence of SD was 15.71% (95% CI: 13.70-17.72), while that of D was 5.58% (95% CI: 4.31-6.85). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and dissatisfaction with family relationships were related to SD and D. A self-perception of physical age as older than actual age (but not comorbidity) and greater self-perceived stress caused by negative life events both increased the probability of SD. The likelihood of D was decreased in those who perceived their own health as good, whereas a self-perception of mental age as older than actual age and dissatisfaction with relationships with friends were both significantly associated with D. Both SD and D emerged as key problems in our population. Female gender and self-perceptions of various characteristics, which can be explored through simple questions, are associated with late-life depression in elderly people independently of their actual physical condition and other characteristics.
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy; "C. Golgi" Geriatric Institute, Piazza Samek 5, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-1124-6105
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vaccaro
authors.affiliation: Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Borrelli
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abbondanza
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Davin
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Letizia
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7014-9677
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Polito
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy; "C. Golgi" Geriatric Institute, Piazza Samek 5, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy; "C. Golgi" Geriatric Institute, Piazza Samek 5, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Francesca Vitali
authors.affiliation: Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Villani
authors.affiliation: "Golgi Cenci" Foundation, Corso San Martino 10, 20081 Abbiategrasso, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.identifier: 0000-0003-3954-5932
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guaita
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors