Introduction

Depression in older adults is a major health problem, and it is considered the most common psychiatric disorder among this population in developing countries. It is associated with suffering and increased prevalence and poor evolution of health problems. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of depression and related factors in people over the age of 75 years in the city of Castellón de la Plana, Spain.

Methodology

This was an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study in which a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 400 community-dwelling older adults over the age of 75 and who were selected using purposive sampling in 2015.

Results

the overall prevalence of depression symptoms was 30.5%, a percentage higher among women (40.1%). Older adults living alone presented more symptoms of depression, 26.6% compared with 16.1% (p = 0.011). Good self-perceived health was related to fewer depression symptoms. Non-frail individuals presented lower rates of depression symptoms (12.1%) than frail (30.8%), and pre-frail individuals (57%) p<0.05. Negative aspects in social relationships showed a lower mean score (0.003) in individuals without depression symptoms (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

There is a link between the presence of depression symptoms and gender, self-perceived health, living condition, and frailty.

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