Depression in Institutionalised Older People with Impaired Vision

Objectives: For depression in institutionalised elders with visual impairment, there is a lack of information in the literature. A panel study was performed: (1) to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and (2) to investigate the risk factors of depression.

Method: Residents of a nursing home for the aged blind were recruited. Measurements included: Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Snellen Eye Chart, age, duration of institutionalisation, duration of impaired vision, and functional ability.

Results And Conclusions: The proportion of participants who scored GDS> or =6/15 was 45.2%. The rate of depression among visually impaired nursing home residents is higher compared to other populations reported. The depressed participants had significantly shorter duration of institutionalisation (3.4 years vs 7.1 years, rank-sum, p=0.007) and lower functional ability (Barthel Index 60.7/100 vs 85.6/100, rank-sum, p=0.002) as compared to the non-depressed. No significant difference was found in age and length of impaired vision. A logistic regression model predicting depressive symptoms found that the duration of institutionalisation (odds ratio 0.75; 95% confidence interval 0.59-0.94), and functional ability (odds ratio 0.96; 95% confidence interval 0.92-0.99), were independently and inversely associated with depressive mood after controlling for age and duration of blindness. The effects of blindness and living in a long-term care institution were identified. Recommendations on screening and management of depression were provided.