[Prevalence and factors associated with the rates of depression among elderly residents in rural areas].

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of elderly patients with an indication of depression by sex and age group and to identify the factors associated with the indication of depression. Analytical, observational and cross studies were conducted with 850 elderly residents in the rural areas of the municipality of Minas Gerais. For data analysis, we applied the prevalence formula and logistic regression model (p<0.05). The project was approved by the Ethics in Research Human of the Triângulo Mineiro Federal University (Protocol No. 1477). The prevalence of the indicators of depression accounted for 22%, with a greater occurrence among females and individuals aged 60├70 years. In females, a higher number of comorbidities and higher functional disability with respect to performing the activities of daily living remained associated with the indication of depression. These results reinforce the need to implement actions to promote health and disease prevention, focusing on depression.