Association of Eating Alone With Depression Among Older Adults Living Alone: Role of Poor Social Networks.
J Epidemiol
; 31(4): 297-300, 2021 Apr 05.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32307350
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Eating alone is associated with an increased risk of depression symptoms. This association may be confounded by poor social networks. The present study aimed to determine the role of poor social networks in the association of eating alone with depression symptoms, focusing on cohabitation status.METHODS:
Seven hundred and ten community-dwelling older adults were categorized according to their eating style and social network size, evaluated using an abbreviated version of the Lubben Social Network Scale, with poor social network size (defined as the lowest quartile). Living arrangements and depression symptoms, detected using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, were also assessed.RESULTS:
A mixed-design two-way analysis of covariance (eating style and social network size factors) for the depression scale score, adjusted by covariates, yielded significant effects of social network size and eating style without interaction. Greater depression scores were observed in eating alone and poor social network size. Analysis of participants living with others showed the same results. However, among older adults living alone, only a significant main effect of social network size was observed; poor social network size resulted in greater depression scores irrespective of eating style.CONCLUSIONS:
Poor social network size, and not eating alone, was associated with greater depression symptoms among older adults living alone, whereas both factors may increase depression symptoms among older adults living with others. Poor social network size may show a stronger influence on depression than eating alone in older adults living alone; thus, social network size is an important health indicator.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Depresión
/
Conducta Alimentaria
/
Vida Independiente
Tipo de estudio:
Etiology_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Epidemiol
Asunto de la revista:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article