Correlates of depressive symptoms in urban middle-aged and elderly Lithuanians.

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their correlates in urban middle-aged and elderly Lithuanian adults.

Methods: Data from the survey was collected within the framework of the international project HAPIEE (Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe). A random sample of 7,115 individuals aged 45-72 years was screened in 2006-2008.

Results: Depressive symptoms were differently associated with independent variables by sex. In men, deprivation (OR 1.85, 95 % CI 1.54-2.17), being divorced (OR 2.34, 95 % CI 1.61-3.39) or widowed (OR 3.64, 95 % CI 2.40-5.52), physical inactivity (OR 1.30, 95 % CI 1.02-1.65), having a history of spine and joint disease (OR 1.72, 95 % CI 1.36-2.17), average perceived health (OR 2.14, 95 % CI 1.55-2.95), poor perceived health (OR 5.13, 95 % CI 3.39-7.76), average quality of life (OR 2.0, 95 % CI 1.55-2.95), or poor quality of life (OR 8.86, 95 % CI 5.19-15.13) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. In women, deprivation (OR 1.28, 95 % CI 1.15-1.43), being widowed (OR 1.52, 95 % CI 1.23-1.88), mean dose of alcohol per occasion 40-79.9 g (OR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.18-2.30) and more than 80 g (OR 2.09, 95 % CI 1.14-3.82), physical inactivity in leisure time (OR 1.27, 95 % CI 1.04-1.57), having a history of spine and joint disease (OR 1.26, 95 % CI 1.06-1.51), average perceived health (OR 2.56, 95 % CI 1.89-2.72), poor perceived health (OR 5.07, 95 % CI 3.62-7.11), average quality of life (OR 2.27, 95 % CI 1.89-2.72), or poor quality of life (OR 7.21, 95 % CI 4.73-11.00) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions: Health status and lifestyle factors are associated with depressive symptoms. Associations between depressive symptoms and long-term health problems are partially mediated by self-rated quality of life and self-rated health.