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Unmet Healthcare Needs Predict Depression Symptoms among Older Adults

Author

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  • Jonas Eimontas

    (Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Universiteto Str. 9/1, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania)

  • Goda Gegieckaitė

    (Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Universiteto Str. 9/1, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania)

  • Olga Zamalijeva

    (Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Universiteto Str. 9/1, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania)

  • Vilmantė Pakalniškienė

    (Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Universiteto Str. 9/1, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania)

Abstract

Risk factors for depression in older adults include significant interpersonal losses, increasing social isolation, and deteriorating physical abilities and health that require healthcare. The effects of unmet healthcare needs on depression in older adults are understudied. This study aimed to analyze the association between unmet healthcare needs and symptoms of depression, sleep, and antidepressant medication while controlling for other significant factors among older adults. For this study, we used a multinational database from The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), containing data of individuals aged 50 and older. The final sample used in this research consisted of 39,484 individuals from 50 to 100 years (mean − 71.15, SD ± 9.19), 42.0 percent of whom were male. Three path models exploring relationships between symptoms of depression at an older age and unmet healthcare needs were produced and had a good model fit. We found that unmet healthcare needs were directly related to depression, activity limitations were related to depression directly and through unmet healthcare needs, whereas financial situation mostly indirectly through unmet healthcare needs. We discuss how depression itself could increase unmet healthcare needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonas Eimontas & Goda Gegieckaitė & Olga Zamalijeva & Vilmantė Pakalniškienė, 2022. "Unmet Healthcare Needs Predict Depression Symptoms among Older Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-13, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:8892-:d:868702
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yunhan Wang & Nan Jiang & Haiya Shao & Zhonghua Wang, 2024. "Exploring unmet healthcare needs and associated inequalities among middle-aged and older adults in Eastern China during the progression toward universal health coverage," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.

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