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Behavioral protective factors of increased depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling older adults: A prospective cohort study
Author(s) -
Uemura Kazuki,
Makizako Hyuma,
Lee Sangyoon,
Doi Takehiko,
Lee Songchul,
Tsutsumimoto Kota,
Shimada Hiroyuki
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.4776
Subject(s) - geriatric depression scale , confounding , center for epidemiologic studies depression scale , odds ratio , depression (economics) , logistic regression , medicine , odds , gerontology , cohort , prospective cohort study , cohort study , psychological intervention , depressive symptoms , psychology , cognition , demography , psychiatry , economics , macroeconomics , sociology
Background It remains unclear what kinds of behavior prevent the development of geriatric depression. This study aimed to elucidate behavioral predictors of increased depressive symptoms in older adults focusing on gender differences. Methods A total of 3106 community‐dwelling older people aged older than or equal to 65 years without depressive symptoms at baseline participated. The 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms with a score of 6 or more at baseline and 15 month follow‐up. Behavioral status was investigated by using dichotomous questions about the aspects of physical, cognitive, and social activities. Each category included 3 specific items. Demographic data and other potential confounding factors were also assessed. Results In the 15 month follow‐up survey, 239 participants (7.7%) reported increased depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that engagement in light physical exercise (odds ratio = 0.74, 95%, CI = 0.56‐0.98), taking enrichment lessons (0.62, 0.46‐0.85), using a personal computer (0.68, 0.48‐0.97), participation in events at the community center (0.54, 0.40‐0.72), and attending a community meeting (0.69, 0.52‐0.92) were independently associated with lower risk of increased depressive symptoms. In a separate analysis for each gender, significant odds ratios of using a personal computer were observed in men, whereas significant odds ratios of light physical exercise, participation in events at the community center, and attending a community meeting were observed in women. Conclusions Light physical exercise, taking lessons, usage of a computer, and participation in community events showed protective effects against depressive symptoms. However, the significance of each behavioral factor may vary according to gender.