Correlates of Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults With Physical Functional Limitations: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

The current study sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among older adults with physical functional limitations in China. A total of 2,410 older adults (age ≥60 years) were enrolled. Depressive symptoms and physical function were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, respectively. Univariate logistic regression and stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The mean score for depressive symptoms was 5.45 (SD = 5.49), with a prevalence of 27% (95% confidence interval [25.2, 28.8]). Risk factors for depressive symptoms included female gender, rural residence, being a farmer before age 60, history of chronic disease, self-reported poor health status, complete dependence, stressful life events over the past 3 months, insufficient emotional and material support, and low social participation over the past 1 month and feeling depressed about it. However, individuals older than 80 with high educational levels and hobbies showed a relatively low prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to their counterparts. This study confirms the necessity to screen for depressive symptoms in older adults, particularly those with physical functional limitations. The information can be used to identify and reduce related risk factors of depressive symptoms for vulnerable older adults. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(3):133-146.].