Active social participation and depression among older persons

Introduction These study show preliminary results from an ongoing PhD study. Analysis will be completed ultimo march 2010. Literature shows that there are few studies that focus on social support, personality and depression of older persons. The aim of the PhD study is to gather evidence based information that will make i possible to develope clinical intervention against elderly seeking help for depressive symptoms. The aim of the phase one is to describe and investigate incidence and coherence focusing on depression, personality, social support, social trust and social participation among the generally elderly population. Methods and materials Data were drawn from the third wave of The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway, one of the world`s largest population surveys, gathering data during three periods. Nord-Trøndealg County is one of 19 counties in Norway, containing 3% of the Norwegian inhabitants. In brief, all residents of Nord-Trøndelag County in Norway aged 20 or more years were invited to participate in the study, total 94 194. Of those eligible 50 839 participated in the study (54% ). In this study we use a sample aged 60 - 89, total 18 851. In HUNT 3 two types of support, tangible and emotional, was examined. Depression was measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Personality traits deduced from extraversion and neuroticism was measured with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire. Saocial trust was based on the questionnaire statement: "We do not trust each other here." Social participation comprised two groups: 1. passive social participation (have been to) and 2. active social participation (have been participated). Both descriptive and regression statistics will be performed using SPSS, version 17. Preliminary results show that in age group 60 - 69 9.9% have a depression among they who have a valid HADS and 13,2% in age group 70 - 79 and 17.3% in age group 80 - 89 have a depression. 94.4% in age group 60 - 69, 92.1% in age group 70 - 79 and 89.8% in age group 80 - 89 have friends that can help them when they need them. On average 10% in the age groups have no friends they can speak to confidentially. Preliminary results show even that the incidence of introversion and neuroticism rises with age in the three highest age groups compared with the younger age groups. Social trust decreases with age, 56.4% in age group 80 89 have no social trust. In all three age group active social participation have a Iower rate of depression than passive social participation. Further results will be presented to the Congress. Conclusion The study will provide a basis for understanding of older persons in different ways. This will give nurses information to promote a more holistic health care. which also may help to reduce admission rates. Prelimenary findings indicate that active social participation is a preventive measure against depression symptoms.