Correlates of depression in type 2 diabetic elderly patients: A correlational study

ObjectivesThis aim of this study was to investigate depression and related factors in elderly patients (⩾65 years) with type 2 diabetics.MethodsThe study utilized a descriptive-correlational design. Convenience sampling was applied to enroll 156 subjects, aged ⩾65 years from diabetic outpatient clinics at three hospitals in Kaohsiung. This study applied the Personal Resource Questionnaire 2000 (PRQ 2000), Taiwan Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS), and a form for demographic data.Results(1) The mean index score for depression level was 26, indicating that study subjects had a low level of depression. The social support index score was 76. (2) Significant differences in TGDS scores existed for diabetes duration, diabetes complications, and treatment type. (3) Social support and regular exercise were significantly and negatively correlated with depression. (4) Social support and diabetes complications were significant correlates of depression and accounted for 25.9% of variance in depression.ConclusionAnalytical results may assist nurses in understanding depression and related factors for diabetic patients aged ⩾65. Therefore, this study could form a basis for caring older people with diabetes, and provide a reference for further research.