Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Korea: A Prediction Model of Depression

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to test a hypothesized model for use in explaining the factors that influence depression among older adults dwelling in Ansan City in Korea. A cross-sectional community-based survey was done using face-to-face private interviews. A hypothesized model was tested using path analysis. Of the 32 hypothesized paths in the structural model, 13 were significant. Gender (β = -.14, P = .24), income (β = -.21, P < .00), education (β = -.14, P = .10), activities of daily living (ADL; β = -.29, P < .00), and somatic symptoms (β = .29, P < .00) accounted for the incidence of depression (β = .06, P < .00), representing 28% of the variance in depression. The fit of the model to the data was supported. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.