Depression and associated factors in Chinese veteran cadres: a community – based study

INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2020 depression will be the most important single cause of disability in both developed and developing countries.  China is one of the most rapidly aging countries in the world and accounts for one fifth of the world ’s adult population aged 60 and older.  It has been predicted that by 2020, people aged 60 or older will increase to 243.85 million, representing 17% of the Chinese population.  The number of individuals with late life depression could increase substantially and the accompanying epidemiological transition will greatly increase the diseases burden. In order to gain better preventive interventions targeting geriatric depression, we have carried out this study to explore the prevalence rates and associated factors of depression for the elderly cadres in Fuzhou, China (Fuzhou is located on China's southeastern coast, the capital city of Fujian province, China).

METHODS:  A total of 1910 community-dwelling veteran cadres aged 60 or older have enrolled in this study.  The cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics, medical history, and the factors associated with the depression.  Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).  Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression models.

RESULTS:  The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to be 10.5%, of which 10.6 % was in men and 9.8% was in women. The most risk factors were lack of social engagement, low family support, chronic disease and disturbed sleep.

CONCLUSIONS:  Depression is common among Chinese veteran cadres.  Our results confirmed that late life depression remains complex, lack of social engagement and low family support were associated with increased risk of GD.