Associação entre depressão e qualidade de vida em idosos: atenção primária à saúde

Abstract

Objective: to evaluate the association between depression and quality of life in older adults. Method: in this cross-sectional study involving 593 primary care users from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, data were obtained using a structured questionnaire, from October 2010 to June 2012, after approval by the research ethics committees of the institutions involved (Opinions Nos. 0043.0.410.203-10 and 0043.0.410.203-10A). Data analysis was based on descriptive techniques and forward logistic regression. Results: the prevalence of depression was 15.5%. After controlling for confounding factors, the variables that continued to be significantly associated with the outcome were overall quality-of-life score lower than 60, self-reported depression, female sex, positive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption and family income of less than three minimum wages. Conclusion: it was concluded that it is necessary to invest in mental health and well-being policies for older age groups and in training health personnel in early screening for depression.