Association between functional limitations and depression among community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia

• Published in: Geriatrics & gerontology international 2020-12, Vol.20 (S2), p.21-25
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Noor Ani, Abd Razak, Mohamad Aznuddin, Kassim, Mohd ShaifulAzlan, Sahril, Norhafizah, Ahmad, Fazila Haryati, Harith, Abdul Aziz, Mahmud, Nur Azna, Abdul Aziz, Fazly Azry, Hasim, Mohd Hazrin, Ismail, Hasimah, Mohd Sidik, Sherina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of daily living; Activities of Daily Living - psychology; ADL; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; depression; Depression - epidemiology; Disability Evaluation; Ethnic Groups - psychology; Female; Humans; IADL; Independent Living - psychology; Malaysia; Malaysia - epidemiology; Male; Odds Ratio; older adults; Older people; Prevalence
• ISSN: 1444-1586; 1447-0594
• DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14012

Aim This study aimed to assess the relationship between functional limitations and depression among community‐dwelling older adults in Malaysia. Methods Data from a nation‐wide community‐based cross‐sectional study were analyzed. This study was conducted using a two‐stage stratified random sampling design. In total, 3772 older adults aged ≥60 years responded to the survey. Depression was identified using a validated Malay version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (M‐GDS‐14), with those scored ≥6 categorized as having depression. Functional limitations were assessed using both Barthel's Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). The relationship was determined by multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for other variables. Results The prevalence of depression was 11.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4, 13.4). Multiple logistic regression analysis found that older adults with limitations in ADL were 2.6 times more likely of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.58, 95% CI 2.01, 3.32), while those with limitations in IADL the risk of having depression was almost doubled (aOR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.14). Other significant factors were incontinence (aOR 3.33, 95% CI: 2.33, 4.74), chronic medical illness (aOR 1.44, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.81), current smoker (aOR 4.19, 95% CI: 1.69, 10.39), poor social support (aOR 4.30, 95% CI: 2.98, 6.20), do not have partner, ethnic minorities and low individual monthly income. Conclusions Older adults with functional limitation in both basic ADL and complex IADL are independently at higher risk of having depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 21–25.