Factors associated with depressive symptoms among older adults living alone: An analysis of sex difference

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the risk factors that correlated with depressive symptoms among elders living alone. Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented. The sample consisted of 117 women and 75 men aged 65 and older who living alone in Tainan, Taiwan. The Chinese version of Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale was adopted to assess depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the risk factors of depressive symptoms in the elderly women and men living alone. Results: Results of this study showed that the elderly women had a 1.6-fold greater prevalence of depressive symptoms than did men. Women who were aged 85 and above, and less social support, had a significantly higher occurrence rate of depressive symptoms. The risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly men living alone included educational level, religious beliefs, self-rated health status, number of chronic illnesses, and social support. Conclusions: Healthcare providers should reflect the sex difference on risk factors of depressive symptoms when planning mental health services for the elderly population.