The influence of socio-economic conditions on the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its covariates in an elderly population with slight income differences: the Bambuí Health and Aging Study (BHAS).

BACKGROUND

The influence of socio-economic conditions on covariates of depression has received little attention.

AIMS

Examine whether prevalence and covariates of depressive symptoms are affected by socio-economic circumstances.

METHODS

Participants were 1,499 (86%) residents in Bambuí city, Brazil, aged ->- 60 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the GHQ-12 questionnaire and exploratory variables included demographic characteristics, life events, social support, health conditions and health service use. The analysis was stratified by family income (<US$240.00 [lowest tertile] vs. ->- US$240.00).

RESULTS

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in those with lower income (43.9%) in comparison with the better off (27.7%). Dissatisfaction with relationships, worse self-rated health and insomnia were independently associated with depressive symptoms in both income groups (OR from 2.00 to 4.74; p<0.05). Depressive symptoms were associated with number of chronic diseases, functional disability and hospitalizations among the poorer (OR from 1.73 to 2.37; p<0.05), while old age (OR 2.08) and female gender (OR 2.03) were associated with depressive symptoms among the better off.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their covariates are influenced by socio-economic conditions in a population with slight income differences.