GENDER DIFFERENCES IN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG SPANISH ELDERLY

The aim of this study is to describe gender differences in depressive symptomatology among an elderly Spanish population and to see whether women are more at risk than men and whether the effects of known risk factors for depression differ between tl ie genders. Data come from th e study Envejecer en Leganes (Growing Old in Leganes), where a represe ntative sample of community residing elderly was screened try an at-ho me interview for high depressive symptomatology using the Center for E pidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Sociodemographic charac teristics, health status, Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, disability, social support, and locus of c ontrol were measured as possible correlates of depressive symptoms. Sc reening was completed in 1116 subjects. The prevalence of high depress ive symptomatology varied, being 19.6% for men and 46% for women (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 2.6; 4.5). In addition to gender, comorbidity, low emot ional support from children, lack of a confidant, few social activitie s, and a sense of lack of control were independently associated with h igh levels of depressive symptoms. None of the interactions of gender by the known risk factors of depression was significant. Although the prevalence of depressive symytomatology is higher in women than in men , the known risk factors do not totally explain the difference between genders in this population of Spanish elderly. This difference could be due to the cultural definitions of gender roles that have affected them throughout their lives.