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2026, Number 3

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Aten Fam 2026; 33 (3)

Depression in Older Adults Associated with Functional Dependence

Cortés-Molina G, Ureña-Martínez A, García-Morales G, Gil-Ojeda R

Language: Spanish
References: 32
Page: 143-148
PDF size: 192.58 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the association between depression and the degree of functional dependence in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at a family medicine unit in Guerrero, Mexico. The sample consisted of older adults, aged 60 years and older, of both sexes who were assessed using two instruments: the Barthel Index to measure functional capacity and the Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale to evaluate depressive symptoms. Simple frequencies and proportions were calculated for qualitative variables. To determine the association between depression and functional status, odds ratios were estimated using the Mantel-Haenszel method, with 95% confidence intervals to assess statistical significance. Results: A total of 287 older adults participated in the study. Of these, 68.3% were functionally independent, 29.3% had mild dependence, 1.7% had moderate dependence, and 0.7% had total dependence. Depressive symptoms were identified in 32.4% of participants: 22.0% had mild depression, 5.6% moderate depression, and 4.9% severe depression. In the bivariate analysis, variables associated with depression included functional dependence (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 2.54–7.40), female sex (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.05–3.04), basic educational attainment (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 1.18–13.8), absence of employment-related activity (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.33–11.4), lack of physical activity (OR: 3.2; 95% ci: 1.51–6.92), and living alone (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.13–4.80). Conclusions: Functional dependence was associated with depression in older adults, particularly at mild and severe levels of dependence. These findings support the need for a comprehensive assessment of both functional status and mental health in this age group.


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