Prevalence of Depression in Older Nursing Home Residents in High and Low Altitude Regions: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Objective: Depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) is common in older adults, and closely associated with environmental factors. This study compared the prevalence of depression in older adults living in high-altitude and low-altitude regions, and their association with quality of life (QOL). Method: A total of 632 older nursing home residents were included, with 425 participants living in low-altitude and 207 participants living in high-altitude regions. Depression and QOL were assessed using standardized instruments. Results: The prevalence of depression was 26.9% (95% CI: 23.43–30.37%) in the whole sample of older nursing home residents, with 11.1% (95% CI: 8.01–14.05%) in those living..