PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN USERS OF HEALTH CENTERS

INTRODUCTION. Depression is one of the most common and disabling syndromes of the elderly population. The highest prevalence was observed in the elderly living in nursing homes. In this medium yet depression is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Centers need to design software for the diagnosis of depression, identify associated factors. The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of depressive symptoms and to identify risk factors in this center. INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS. Study participants were a total of 101 residents, over 65 years, users of Miralbueno residence, previously selected, to which were administered the scale of Yesavage, MEC, the Barthel and Lawton and Brody index. Also it was collected sociodemographic data and the presence of a history of depression, conflict in central and non-psychiatric disorders. RESULTS. The prevalence of depressive symptoms measured Yesavage scale is 39.6%, being more frequent in residents with Lawton < 3, over 80 years and that have not suffered recent losses. CONCLUSION. It is more common developing pathological symptoms of depression if you have a greater reliance on instrumental activities of daily living and older.