Year: 2013
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in the elderly inhabiting Koprivnica-Kri evci, Istria and Dubrovnik-Neretva Counties and their association with socio-demographic characteristics and healthcare utilisation. METHODS: A cross-sectional cluster survey carried out in 2006, encompassing a total of 1,469 examinees aged 70+. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale was used to screen for self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, which were further associated with socio-demographic characteristics and healthcare utilisation. RESULTS: The elderly have shown a high prevalence of borderline and probable anxiety (43%) and depression (53%), and regional differences (p<0.001). The level of anxiety was higher in women than men (p<0.001); as for depression, no statistically significant gender-based differences were found. The prevalence of probable depression increases (p=0.034) and that of probable anxiety decreases (p=0.028) with age. Anxiety and depression are associated with increased use of specialist health care and more frequent hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of anxiety and depression in elderly is associated with sociodemographic characteristics and frequent use of health care.
Source: PubMed
Institution: Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo
Language: Croatian
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2174798035