Trajectories of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal study

Objective to identify the trajectories of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and their relationship with age group, sleep problems, and living arrangements. Method longitudinal study with 300 participants aged 45 years and older, conducted in Family Health Units in the countryside of Mato Grosso do Sul, with data collected in 2018–2019, 2021, and 2023. The Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale and questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, sleep problems, and living arrangements were used. Results a significant reduction in depressive symptoms was observed in the second assessment, during the pandemic, with maintenance in the following evaluation. No statistical differences were found by age group. Individuals with sleep complaints showed higher depressive symptom scores but demonstrated progressive improvement. Participants living alone presented an initial reduction in symptoms during the pandemic, followed by an increase afterward. Conclusion and implications for practice the improvement in depressive symptoms may have occurred due to emotional adaptation to the pandemic. Factors such as sleep complaints and living alone should be considered in mental health actions aimed at older adults and individuals in the aging process.