Key result
In older Europeans, functional disability showed a stronger association with depressive symptoms (standardized coefficients 0.16-0.37) than chronic physical conditions (0.08-0.20), a pattern consistent across western Europe.
Cross-Sectional (n=22,570)
Yes
The association between physical health, particularly functional disability, and depressive symptoms in later life is consistent across western Europe.
Functional disability may merit priority when evaluating depressive symptoms in older adults; extends prior associations but leaves causal direction open.
BACKGROUND: Associations between physical health and depression are consistent across cultures among adults up to 65 years of age. In later life, the impact of physical health on depression is much more substantial and may depend on sociocultural factors. AIMS: To examine cross-national differences in the association between physical health and depressive symptoms in elderly people across western Europe. METHOD: Fourteen community-based studies on depression in later life in nine western European countries contributed to a total study sample of 22 570 respondents aged 65 years and older. Measures were harmonized for depressive symptoms (EURO-D scale), functional limitations and chronic physical conditions. RESULTS: In the majority of the participating samples, the association of depressive symptoms with functional disability was stronger than with chronic physical conditions. Associations were slightly more pronounced in the UK and Ireland. CONCLUSIONS: The association between physical health and depressive symptoms in later life is consistent across western Europe.
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Braam et al. (2005) conducted a cross-sectional in Depressive symptoms (n=22,570). Physical health impairment (functional disability and chronic conditions) was evaluated on Association between physical health and depressive symptoms (EURO-D scale). In older Europeans, functional disability showed a stronger association with depressive symptoms (standardized coefficients 0.16-0.37) than chronic physical conditions (0.08-0.20), a pattern consistent across western Europe.
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