The Effect of Life Review Intervention on Depression of Elderly Male Cigarette Smokers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Depression and smoking are significantly correlated in the elderly population, with each potentially exacerbating the other. Aim The current research sought to assess the effect of a life review intervention in alleviating depression among elderly male smokers. Methods This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. Utilizing a simple random sampling method, we assigned 36 elderly participants into two distinct groups: the intervention group ( n = 18) and the control group ( n = 18). The life review intervention was conducted over the course of six sessions. The study utilized several assessment tools, including a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Mini‐Mental Status Examination, and the Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 (GDS‐15). These instruments were administered to participants at two time points: prior to the intervention and following its completion. Results In the intervention group, the average depression scores before the intervention were significantly different from the scores after the intervention ( p < 0.05). Conversely, the control group did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in mean depression scores between the two time points ( p > 0.05). Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups before the intervention was implemented ( p > 0.05). Conversely, a statistically significant relationship was established between the two groups immediately after the intervention ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings of the present study indicate that life review interventions can significantly alleviate depression among elderly male cigarette smokers.