Specific major factors of depression in the community among middle and older aged koreans: From the 6^th korea national health and nutrition examination survey

Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression are remarkably increasing in the Korean adults. This study was aimed to identify on the major factors of depression.

The 35 aged and over adults were chosen and analyzed on the data of 3, 331 participants by using the multi-level logistic regression of complex sampling method of a cross-sectional study. The variables of related factors on depression according to demographic variables were used with the analysis of multi-level logistic regression after adjustment.

The prevalence of depression was 43.0% (35≤). The major factors of the depression were the remaining teeth (≤20) in oral health state, two family members and not living with spouse in order significantly. The most influencing factor of depression was just the remaining teeth (OR 7.63, CI: 1.11–52.22, p=.039). And the other specific affecting factors of the depression were two members of family (OR 3.92, CI: 1.05–14.68, p=.043), and no presence of spouse (OR 7.25, CI: 2.19–23.97, p=.002). While the association of education level and depression was not observed.

It is urgently needed for special, tailoring strategy and intervention to prevent the psychological field such as depression among the group of middle and older people of the community.