Multimorbidity Combinations and Depressive Symptom Trajectories Among US Older Adults
2024
Multimorbidity and Depression in Older Adults
Sample size: 9004
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Bishop Nicholas, Walker Kealie, Nagel Corey L, Newsom Jason, Botoseneanu Anda, Allore Heather, Quiñones Ana
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between specific multimorbidity combinations and trajectories of depressive symptoms among older adults.
Conclusion
Older adults with certain combinations of chronic health conditions are at a higher risk for increased depressive symptoms over time.
Supporting Evidence
- 75.6% of respondents experienced multimorbidity in 2012.
- The average depression score among participants was 1.4.
- Hypertension combined with lung disease and arthritis was linked to higher depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
Having more than one chronic illness can make older people feel sadder over time.
Methodology
The study used data from the Health and Retirement Study to analyze depressive symptoms in older adults with various chronic health conditions.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 65 and older, mean age 75.3, 58.7% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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