Social inequalities in depression and suicidal ideation among older primary care patients. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: Depression and suicide are major public health concerns, and are often unrecognized among the elderly. This study investigated social inequalities in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among older adults. METHODS: Data come from 1,226 participants in PROSPECT (Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly: Collaborative Trial), a large primary care-based intervention trial for late-life depression. Linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation over the 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores were significantly higher among participants in financial strain [regression coefficient (b) = 1.78, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.67-2.89] and with annual incomes below $20,000 (b = 1.67, CI = 0.34-3.00). Financial strain was also associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation (odds ratio = 2.35, CI = 1.38-3.98). CONCLUSIONS: There exist marked social inequalities in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among older adults attending primary care practices, the setting in which depression is most commonly treated. Our results justify continued efforts to understand the mechanisms generating such inequalities and to recognize and provide effective treatments for depression among high-risk populations.

publication date

  • September 5, 2012

Research

keywords

  • Aging
  • Depression
  • Primary Health Care
  • Suicidal Ideation

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3543515

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84872408015

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1002/da.20644

PubMed ID

  • 22948560

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 48

issue

  • 1