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Prevalence and factors associated with probable depression among the oldest old during the Covid-19 pandemic: evidence from the large, nationally representative 'Old Age in Germany (D80+)' study
[journal article]
Abstract To date, most studies examining the prevalence and determinants of depression among individuals aged 80 and over have used geographically limited samples that are not generalisable to the wider population. Thus, our aim was to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with probable depressi... view more
To date, most studies examining the prevalence and determinants of depression among individuals aged 80 and over have used geographically limited samples that are not generalisable to the wider population. Thus, our aim was to identify the prevalence and the factors associated with probable depression among the oldest old in Germany based on nationally representative data. Methods Data were taken from the nationally representative "Old Age in Germany (D80+)" study (n=8386; November 2020 to April 2021) covering both community-dwelling and institutionalised individuals aged 80 and over. The Short Form of the Depression in Old Age Scale was used to quantify probable depression. Results Probable depression was found in 40.7% (95% CI: 39.5% to 42.0%) of the sample; 31.3% were men (95% CI: 29.7% to 32.9%) and 46.6% women (95% CI: 44.9% to 48.3%). The odds of probable depression were positively associated with being female (odds ratio (OR): 1.55, 95% CI: 1.30 to 1.84), being divorced (compared to being married, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.76), being widowed (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.30), having a low education (e.g., medium education compared to low education, OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.99), living in an institutionalised setting (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.84 to 3.02), living in East Germany (OR: 1.21, 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.39), not having German citizenship (German citizenship compared to other citizenship, OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.95), poor self-rated health (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.34), and the number of chronic conditions (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.14). Conclusion About four out of 10 individuals aged 80 and over in Germany had probable depression, underlining the importance of this challenge. Knowledge of specific risk factors for this age group may assist in addressing older adults at risk of probable depression.... view less
Keywords
elderly; aged; institutional resident; mental health; depression; morbidity; gender-specific factors; demographic factors; social factors; health status; Federal Republic of Germany
Classification
Gerontology
Free Keywords
D80+; Self-rated health; Verwitwung
Document language
English
Publication Year
2024
Journal
Psychogeriatrics (2024) Early View
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.13129
ISSN
1479-8301
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed