The status and influencing factors of activities of daily living of the elderly patients with depression

Objective To describe and explore the influencing factors of the activities of daily living of the elderly patients with depression. Methods A descriptive correlative design. The study was conducted in a hospital of Guangzhou from July 2012 to December 2013. 100 outpatients were selected by convenient sampling method. The instruments consisted of General information questionnaires, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) , Activity of Daily Living Scale. Results The mean score of overall activities of daily living was 22.73±6.69. Based on multiple regression analysis, the score of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (B=0.698, 95% CI 0.585-0.811, P<0.01), family income per capital (B=-0.842, 95%CI-1.382--0.303, P=0.003), number of chronic illness (B=1.236, 95%CI 0.464-2.008, P=0.002), physical exercises(B=-0.847, 95% CI-1.618--0.076, P=0.032), occupation (B=-0.272, 95%CI-0.486--0.058, P=0.013) emerged as independent factors of disability in activities of daily living. Conclusions The activities of daily living of the elderly patients with depression is obviously damaged. We should pay attention to the ADL of the patients and carry out the family and social intervention to ensure their quality of life and reduce the burden of family and society. Key words: Elderly; Depression; Activities of daily living; Influencing factors