Published online Dec 19, 2021. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v11.i12.1314
Peer-review started: May 23, 2021
First decision: July 14, 2021
Revised: July 18, 2021
Accepted: November 3, 2021
Article in press: November 3, 2021
Published online: December 19, 2021
Processing time: 206 Days and 0.7 Hours
Although the number of senior citizens living alone is increasing, only a few studies have identified factors related to the depression characteristics of senior citizens living alone by using epidemiological survey data that can represent a population group.
To evaluate prediction performance by building models for predicting the depression of senior citizens living alone that included subjective social isolation and perceived social support as well as personal characteristics such as age and drinking.
This study analyzed 1558 senior citizens (695 males and 863 females) who were 60 years or older and completed an epidemiological survey representing the South Korean population. Depression, an outcome variable, was measured using the short form of the Korean version CES-D (short form of CES-D).
The prevalence of depression among the senior citizens living alone was 7.7%. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the experience of suicidal urge over the past year, subjective satisfaction with help from neighbors, subjective loneliness, age, and self-esteem were significantly related to the depre
It is necessary to strengthen the social network of senior citizens living alone with friends and neighbors based on the results of this study to protect them from depression.
Core Tip: In this study, the significant predictors of depression of the senior citizens living alone were the experiences of suicidal urge over the past year, dissatisfaction with help from neighbors, subjective loneliness, age, and low self-esteem. The results of this study implied that it is necessary to develop a support system customized for subjects to strengthen the relation network for preventing depression in senior citizens living alone so that they can receive actual support (reinforced qualitative network) from acquaintances such as neighbors rather than the frequency of physical contact (reinforced quantitative network).