Key result
Mild depressive symptoms in older women were associated with higher subsequent total healthcare costs compared to little or no symptoms (cost ratio 1.34; 95% CI 1.14-1.59).
Why the study?
Depressive symptoms can be both a cause and a consequence of functional limitations and medical conditions, prompting investigation into their association with subsequent total healthcare costs in older women after accounting for functional limitations and multimorbidity.
Are depressive symptoms associated with higher subsequent total healthcare costs in older community-dwelling women?
Population
2508 community-dwelling women (mean age = 79.4 years) across four US sites
Comparison
Mild or moderate to severe depressive symptoms vs little or no depressive symptoms
Design
Prospective cohort study
Follow-up
12 months
Authors
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May flag higher costs in older women; leaves open whether treating symptoms reduces expenditures.
Cohort (n=2,508)
Yes
Are depressive symptoms associated with higher subsequent total healthcare costs in older community-dwelling women?
Effect estimate: cost ratio 1.34 (95% CI 1.14-1.59)
Absolute Event Rate: 7871% vs 4654%
Even mild depressive symptoms in older community-dwelling women are associated with significantly higher subsequent healthcare costs, partially driven by functional limitations and multimorbidity.
Schousboe et al. (2019) conducted a cohort in Depressive symptoms (n=2,508). Depressive symptoms vs. Little or no depressive symptoms was evaluated on Total direct healthcare costs during the 12 months following the examination (cost ratio 1.34, 95% CI 1.14-1.59). Mild depressive symptoms in older women were associated with higher subsequent total healthcare costs compared to little or no symptoms (cost ratio 1.34; 95% CI 1.14-1.59).
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