Association between Homeboundness and Depression in the Elderly Population According to Gender

According to the Korean National Statistics in 2017, suicide was ranked the 5th most common cause of death, and more than half of those who had committed suicide were 60 years of age or older. In this study we investigated the association of homeboundness and depression in the elderly population.

This study was conducted at the Korea National Institute of Health, using questionnaire data from personalized home-visit healthcare services to investigate the association of homeboundness and depression in the elderly according to gender. Data from 56, 562 seniors 65 years of age or older who fully provided their answers regarding general characteristics, homeboundness, depression and regular exercise were ultimately selected for analysis in our study. SPSS ver. 18.0 program was used for all data analyses.

1. Among subjects in the study, 13.3% were male and 16.2% were female homebound seniors. 2. In elderly males, mild depression was 1.882 times greater and severe depression was 2.919 times greater in homebound seniors compared to those who were not. In elderly females, mild depression was 1.556 times greater and severe depression was 2.540 times greater in homebound seniors compared to those who were not.

Our study revealed a strong positive correlation between homeboundness and depression. Therefore, taking measures to prevent depression in homebound seniors is important, especially by promoting their social activities. Differences in gender with respect to homeboundness and depression should be taken into consideration when managing depression in these individuals.