259415 Neighborhood environment and depression among older adults

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Elaine Kurtovich, MPH , Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Melissa Kealey, PhD, MPH, CPH , School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Susan L. Ivey, MD, MHSA , Health Research for Action, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
William Satariano, PhD , School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Background: Nearly 7% of older adults suffer from depression, with even higher rates among chronically ill older adults. Some evidence supports the idea that neighborhood environment is associated with depression (in older adults). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between neighborhood disadvantage, self-reported crime and traffic safety, neighborhood aesthetics, and destinations and services in the neighborhood and depression in older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study of adults over 65 recruited from senior centers in four geographic areas in the U.S. assessed the relationship between various self-reported and objective neighborhood measures and the short form of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. Results: After adjustment for geographical site, age, sex, race, education, adequacy of financial resources, number of close family and friends, general health, and marital status, older adults were more likely to be depressed if they felt unsafe from crime in their neighborhood (OR=2.1); if they rated neighborhood traffic safety as poor (OR=1.7); or if they reported people in their neighborhood would not help someone they don't know. Conclusions: Neighborhood safety and social capital are associated with depression among older adults.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to identify 2 neighborhood factors associated with increased odds of depression in older adults.

Keywords: Aging, Depression

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I served as the project manager for the study from which the data is drawn. I was involved in the development and implementation of the study and contributed significantly to the current analysis.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.