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P2‐556: ASSESSMENT OF ANXIETY IN OLDER INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS: A PILOT STUDY IN THE TORRES STRAIT
Author(s) -
Russell Sarah G.,
Quigley Rachel,
Strivens Edward
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.1251
Subject(s) - anxiety , dementia , medicine , cognitive impairment , depression (economics) , gerontology , cognition , indigenous , population , psychiatry , clinical psychology , disease , environmental health , ecology , biology , economics , macroeconomics
Background: The prevalence of anxiety disorders in older community dwelling adults varies between studies, at 1.2%-15%. Similarly elevated rates of anxiety have been identified in people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, although the nature of the relationship between anxiety and cognitive impairment remains unclear. Older Indigenous Australians are at increased risk of cognitive impairment including a fivefold increased risk of dementia, however the prevalence of anxiety in this population has not been examined. The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and GAI short form were developed in Australia as measures of anxiety in older adults. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the prevalence and nature of anxiety using the GAI or GAI short form in older adults living in Torres Strait communities of Far North Queensland. Methods: A total of 179 Torres Strait residents (mean age 64.7, SD11.3, range 41-93) were recruited as part of a large dementia prevalence study in the Torres Strait. Participants underwent a comprehensive Geriatric assessment and were classified as having dementia, MCI, or normal cognition. Background medical information was also collected. Symptoms of depression were measured using a modified version of the PHQ-9 (KICA-DEP) and anxiety using the GAI or GAI short form, using interpreters where required. Results: Mean scores on the GAI and GAI short form were below the cut off scores used to screen for anxiety. Contrary to previous studies, GAI scores were lowest in the MCI group and highest in the dementia group, although scores did not differ significantly between groups (p>.05). Significant positive correlations were found between the scores on the GAI and GAI short form and on screening tests for falls risk, pain, incontinence and depression, and in those with diabetes (p<.05), and age was negatively correlated with anxiety. Conclusions: Further exploration of the nature and dimensions of anxiety in older Indigenous Australians is required.