Ganguli M , Gilby J, Seaberg E, Belle S. Depressive symptoms and associated factors in a rural elderly population: the MoVIES project. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 3: 144-160, 1995.

ABSTRACT:

In a random population sample of 1,040 elderly persons (aged 66-97 yrs) participating in a community survey, Ss were screened for depressive symptoms using a modified Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. About 10% reported 5 or more possible symptoms of depression present during 3 or more days of the previous week. Approximately 1% of the sample had a sufficient number of symptoms for a diagnosis of major depression. More depressive symptoms were found to be independently associated with age, widowhood, and less education; general health and appetite self-rated as fair-to-poor; and more sleep problems, social support problems, and recent stressful life events. Further, Ss with more depressive symptoms were significantly more likely to have been recently hospitalized and to have used home health and social services.