AUTHOR=Wang Fei , Liu Shou , Zhang Qinge , Ng Chee H. , Cui Xiling , Zhang Dexing , Xiang Yu-Tao 

TITLE=Prevalence of Depression in Older Nursing Home Residents in High and Low Altitude Regions: A Comparative Study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669234

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669234

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=Objective: Depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) is common in older adults, and closely associated with environmental factors. This study compared the prevalence of depression in older adults living in high-altitude and low-altitude regions, and their association with quality of life (QOL).
Method: A total of 632 older nursing home residents were included, with 425 participants living in low-altitude and 207 participants living in high-altitude regions. Depression and QOL were assessed using standardized instruments. 
Results: The prevalence of depression was 26.9% (95% CI: 23.43%-30.37%) in the whole sample of older nursing home residents, with 11% (95% CI: 8.01%-14.05%) in those living in low-altitude and 59.4% (95% CI: 52.68%-66.17%) in those living in high-altitude regions. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that living in low-altitude region (P<0.001, OR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.04-0.12) was associated with lower risk of depression, while perception of poor health status (P<0.001, OR=3.86, 95% CI: 1.98-7.54) and having insomnia (P<0.001, OR=4.76, 95% CI: 2.99-7.56) were associated with higher risk of depression. QOL was significantly lower in physical (F1,632 =35.421, P <0.001), psychological (F1,632 = 20.777, P <0 .001), social (F1,632 = 8.169, P <0 .001) and environmental domains (F1,632 = 11.861, P <0 .001) in those with depression.
Conclusion: Depression was common in older nursing home residents especially those living in the high-altitude region. Considering the negative impact of depression on QOL and functional outcomes, routine screening and timely treatment of depression should be implemented in this population.