Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Polypharmacy and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults
2024
Gender Differences in Polypharmacy and Depression in Older Adults
Sample size: 3143
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Qiu Xiao, Xu Ziyao, Sun Na, Hua Cassandra, Brown J Scott
Primary Institution: Miami University
Hypothesis
The relationship between polypharmacy and depressive symptoms varies by gender among older adults.
Conclusion
Polypharmacy is associated with increased depressive symptoms in men but fewer symptoms in women.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 40% of respondents aged 65 or older regularly use five or more prescription medications.
- Polypharmacy is associated with increased depressive symptoms in men.
- Among women, polypharmacy is linked to a lower number of depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
Older people who take many medications might feel sad, but this affects men and women differently.
Methodology
The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study and employed negative binomial generalized estimating equation models.
Participant Demographics
US community-dwelling older adults aged 65 or older.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI= 1.15 -1.25
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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