Julie A. Gazmararian|David W. Baker|Ruth M. Parker|Dan G. Blazer
A Multivariate Analysis of Factors Associated With Depression
high rates low health literacy among elderly populations along high prevalence chronic conditions may lead increased levels depression symptomatology sought determine whether older adults inadequate health literacy likely report depressive symptoms whether health literacy independent predictor depression symptomatologya total 3260 new medicare enrollees 65 years older interviewed person june december 1997 4 managed care plans 853 cleveland ohio 498 houston tex 975 south florida 934 tampa fla depression symptoms measured geriatric depression scaleoverall 13 respondents classified depressed individuals inadequate health literacy 27 times odds 95 confidence interval 2234 depressed compared individuals adequate health literacy skills however controlling health status multiple logistic regression individuals inadequate health literacy likely depressed adjusted odds ratio 12 95 confidence interval 0917 individuals less social support exercised less twice week drank alcohol heavily poor health status least 3 health conditions physical limitations fair poor selfrated health significantly higher odds depression symptomatologyalthough individuals inadequate health literacy twice likely report depressive symptoms mostly explained worse health status strong relation depression symptoms poor health status suggests need research interventions improve mental physical health concurrently influence particular interventions depression referral community support contacts recommendations exercise program needs evaluated arch intern med 200016033073314