Chronic Disease, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Dent Kallisse, Dang Linh, Kalesnikava Viktoryia, Mezuk Briana, Richmond-Rakerd Leah
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Interpersonal factors mediate the relationship between chronic disease diagnoses and depression and passive suicidal ideation in older adults.
Conclusion
New chronic disease diagnoses increase the risk of depression and passive suicidal ideation in older adults, and addressing interpersonal factors may help reduce this risk.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults with new chronic disease diagnoses are at higher risk for depression.
- New chronic disease diagnoses are linked to increased feelings of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and hopelessness.
- Addressing interpersonal factors may help reduce the risk of depression and suicidal ideation.
Takeaway
When older people get new health problems, they might feel sad and think about suicide more. Helping them feel connected to others can make a difference.
Methodology
Data were analyzed from the Health and Retirement Study, focusing on chronic disease diagnoses and changes in interpersonal factors over a four-year period.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from a nationally-representative, longitudinal cohort.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
OR=1.34 [1.03-1.75], OR=1.63 [1.26-2.11]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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