A multidimensional perspective of the relation between social isolation and depression among Portuguese older adults

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021-06-25

Authors

Henriques, Ana Lúcia Nunes (Author) Other; Talih, Makram (Author) Other; Pastor-Valero, Maria (Author) Other; Fraga, Sílvia (Author) FMUP; Dias, Isabel (Author) FLUP; Matijasevich, Alicia (Author) Other; Barros, Henrique (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Health & Social Care in the Community

ISSN: 0966-0410

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 3 Citations

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Pubmed / Medline

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Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)

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Scientific classification

CORDIS: Social sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-406

DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13471

Abstract (EN): We aimed to explore how different social isolation components were associated with depression among older adults in Portugal. We analysed data collected through structured questionnaires in 2017 from 643 Portuguese adults aged 60 and over. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (Short-Form). Social isolation was operationalised using objective indicators – living alone, marital status, leisure activities – and subjective indicator – perceived social support. Because social isolation is a multidimensional construct that is likely to be more than the sum of its components, cluster analysis was conducted to group individuals into social isolation profiles. Associations were estimated using adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five profiles were identified: Cluster 1 (partnered; high social support; high variety of leisure activities); Cluster 2 (partnered; high social support; few leisure activities); Cluster 3 (not partnered; low social support; few leisure activities); Cluster 4 (living alone; high social support; high variety of leisure activities); Cluster 5 (partnered; high social support; limited variety of leisure activities). Compared with Cluster 1, participants in Cluster 2 were three times more likely to have depression, independent of age, gender, education, comorbidities and self-rated health (OR = 3.04; 95% CI: 1.38–6.71). Participants in Cluster 3 presented the highest probability of depression that was not explained by any of the confounders (OR = 4.74; 95% CI: 2.15–10.44). Older adults living alone are not necessarily more prone to depression, with social support and leisure activities playing an important role. To disentangle how social isolation affects health, objective and subjective isolation measures should be considered.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific