Fatores associados ao risco de sintomas depressivos em indivíduos idosos longevos

Abstract

Introduction: Oldest old people can be more likely to develop or worsen depressive symptoms, due to sociodemographic and clinical factors. Objective: To assess the risk of depression in older people over 80 years of age and its clinical and sociodemographic factors, in addition to comparing the risk of depression among older people aged 80-84 years and 85+, as well as the sociodemographic and clinical factors related to each age group. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative research. Older people aged over 80 years old participated in the study. Participants underwent a single assessment and the following instruments were applied: an Anamnesis form, containing clinical and sociodemographic data; the Mini Mental State Examination; the Verbal Fluency Test; the Clock Drawing Test and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). For data analysis, the Pearson’s Correlation test and the simple linear regression test were applied. Results: The median age was 82 years old, being carried out only with the oldest old people. The sample showed no risk of depressive symptoms. There was no significant difference between older people aged 80-84 (2.00-5.00) and 85 years or older (2.00-4.00) in terms of GDS-15. A significant correlation of weak magnitude was verified only between the GDS-15 and the diagnosis of depression (r=0.329), in addition to the use of psychotropic medications and the GDS-15 (r=0.211). The only factor that independently influenced the GDS-15 score was the diagnosis of depression. Conclusion: The only factor that significantly influenced the GDS-15 score was the diagnosis of depression in community-dwelling oldest old people.