scholarly journals Effect of Antidepressant Medication Use and Social Engagement on the Level of Depressive Symptoms in Community-Dwelling, Older African Americans and Whites With Dementia

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1278-1296
Author(s):  
Jovita Rodrigues ◽  
Ana W. Capuano ◽  
Lisa L. Barnes ◽  
David A. Bennett ◽  
Raj C. Shah
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depressive Symptom ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Symptom Score ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

Objective: This study examines the effect of antidepressant medication use and social engagement on the level of depressive symptoms at the time of initially meeting criteria for dementia. Method: Measures of social engagement, medication use, and depressive symptoms from 402 participants with incident dementia were utilized for the study. Proportional odds models adjusted for demographics were constructed with depressive symptoms as the outcome and social network size, perceived social isolation, and antidepressant medication use as independent variables. Results: Each additional person in the social network was associated with a lower depressive symptom score, odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.90, 0.97], p ≤ .01, and each unit increase in perceived social isolation was associated with a higher depressive symptom score (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = [2.94, 5.85], p ≤ .01). No association was found between antidepressant medication use and depressive symptom score. Discussion: Depression management at the time of dementia diagnosis should probably be directed toward increasing social engagement in older adults.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Engagement in Online Support Groups and Social Isolation Among Military Caregivers: Longitudinal Questionnaire Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Trail ◽  
Esther Friedman ◽  
Carolyn M Rutter ◽  
Terri Tanielian
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Multiple Indicators ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND There is a lack of research on the effectiveness of online peer support groups for reducing social isolation and depressive symptoms among caregivers, and previous research has mixed results. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test whether military caregivers who joined a new online peer support community or engaged with an existing online community experienced decreased perceived social isolation and improved depressive symptoms over 6 months. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study of 212 military caregivers who had newly joined an online community and those who were members of other military caregiver groups. Multiple indicators of perceived social isolation and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS Compared with caregivers in the comparison group, caregivers who joined the new group experienced less perceived social isolation at 3 months (eg, number of caregivers in social network [unstandardized regression coefficients] <i>b</i>=0.49, SE 0.19, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.02), but this effect did not persist at 6 months. Those who engaged more with new or existing groups experienced less perceived social isolation over time (eg, number of caregivers in social network <i>b</i>=0.18, SE 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.27), and this relationship was mediated by increased interactions with other military caregivers (95% CI 0.0046 to 0.0961). Engagement with an online group was not associated with improvements in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Online communities might help reduce social isolation when members engage with the group, but more intensive treatment is needed to improve depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Engagement in Online Support Groups and Social Isolation Among Military Caregivers: Longitudinal Questionnaire Study

10.2196/16423 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. e16423
Author(s):  
Thomas Trail ◽  
Esther Friedman ◽  
Carolyn M Rutter ◽  
Terri Tanielian
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Online Support Groups ◽  
Multiple Indicators ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation ◽  
The Relationship

Background There is a lack of research on the effectiveness of online peer support groups for reducing social isolation and depressive symptoms among caregivers, and previous research has mixed results. Objective This study aimed to test whether military caregivers who joined a new online peer support community or engaged with an existing online community experienced decreased perceived social isolation and improved depressive symptoms over 6 months. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study of 212 military caregivers who had newly joined an online community and those who were members of other military caregiver groups. Multiple indicators of perceived social isolation and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Results Compared with caregivers in the comparison group, caregivers who joined the new group experienced less perceived social isolation at 3 months (eg, number of caregivers in social network [unstandardized regression coefficients] b=0.49, SE 0.19, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.02), but this effect did not persist at 6 months. Those who engaged more with new or existing groups experienced less perceived social isolation over time (eg, number of caregivers in social network b=0.18, SE 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.27), and this relationship was mediated by increased interactions with other military caregivers (95% CI 0.0046 to 0.0961). Engagement with an online group was not associated with improvements in depressive symptoms. Conclusions Online communities might help reduce social isolation when members engage with the group, but more intensive treatment is needed to improve depressive symptoms.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of peer counseling, social engagement, and combination interventions in improving depressive symptoms of community-dwelling Filipino senior citizens

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0230770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rogie Royce Carandang ◽  
Akira Shibanuma ◽  
Junko Kiriya ◽  
Karen Rose Vardeleon ◽  
Edward Asis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Senior Citizens ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Peer Counseling

scholarly journals Positive and negative social support and depressive symptoms according to economic status among adults in Korea: cross-sectional results from the Health Examinees-Gem Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e023036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hwa-Young Lee ◽  
Juhwan Oh ◽  
Ichiro Kawachi ◽  
Jongho Heo ◽  
Sujin Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depressive Symptom ◽  
Symptom Score ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Social Supports ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Positive Social Support

ObjectivesThe interaction between positive and negative social support as well as each domain of social support and income on depressive symptom has not been much explored. We aimed to examine the associations of positive and negative social support with the risk of depressive symptoms among urban-dwelling adults in Korea, focusing on those interaction effects.DesignWe used the first wave of a large-scale cohort study called The Health Examinees-Gem Study. Positive and negative support scores ranged between 0 and 6; the variables were then categorised into low, medium, and high groups. A two-level random intercept linear regression model was used, where the first level is individual and the second is the community. We further tested for interactions between each domain of social supports and household income.SettingA survey conducted at 38 health examination centres and training hospitals in major Korean cities and metropolitan areas during 2009–2010.Participants21 208 adult men and women aged between 40 and 69 in Korea (mean age: 52.6, SD: 8.0).Outcome measuresDepressive symptoms score measured by Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, with scores ranging from 0 to 60.ResultsLevel of positive and negative social support showed a negative and positive association with depressive symptom score with statistical significance at p<0.05, respectively. When the interaction terms among household income and social supports were examined, a negative association between level of positive social support and depressive symptom score was more pronounced as income was lower and level of negative social support was higher. Similarly, positive association between level of negative social support and depressive symptom score was more pronounced as income was lower and level of positive social support was lower.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that strategies for encouraging positive social support and discouraging negative social support for disadvantaged individuals might be effective in reducing depression in Korea.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Risk Factors for Food Insecurity in Puerto Ricans Living in the USA from Baseline to 5-Year Follow-Up

2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (8) ◽  
pp. 2199-2203
Author(s):  
Nan Dou ◽  
Dixin Xie ◽  
Xiang Gao ◽  
Natalia Palacios ◽  
Luis M Falcon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Depressive Symptom ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Puerto Rican ◽  
Symptom Score ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
The Usa

ABSTRACT Background Food insecurity is prevalent among Puerto Rican adults in the USA and is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, the direction of this association has not been established in this understudied population. Objectives In this study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal association between a group of psychosocial risk factors and subsequent food insecurity in a cohort of Puerto Rican adults. Methods Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the prospective Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. A total of 517 Puerto Rican participants aged 45–75 y in the Boston area who were food secure at baseline, and who completed food security surveys at baseline and 5 y were included. Psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, stress, tangible social support, and acculturation were assessed with validated instruments. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the risk of food insecurity at 5 y, as a function of psychosocial factors at baseline and their changes over 5 y, adjusting for age, sex, education, baseline and change in total annual household income, and in family size. Results The cumulative incidence of food insecurity at 5 y was 12.6%. The odds of incident food insecurity was significantly associated with baseline depressive symptom score [OR = 1.78 (1.16, 2.76) per each 10 score units], with change in depressive symptom score [OR = 1.50 (1.07, 2.09) per each 10-unit increase], and with change in perceived stress [OR = 1.59 (1.01, 2.51) per each 10-unit increase], after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion In this cohort of Puerto Rican adults, depressive symptoms at baseline, and increases in depressive symptoms and perceived stress over 5 y were associated with a higher risk of food insecurity. Psychosocial health and environment appear to play important roles in predicting risk of food insecurity in the Puerto Rican community.

scholarly journals SOCIAL ISOLATION AND FALLS RISK AMONG COMMUNITY DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF DEPRESSION

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S293-S293
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Burr ◽  
Lien Quach
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Falls Risk ◽  
Risk Of Falls ◽  
Perceived Social Isolation

Abstract Relatively little is known about the relationship between social isolation and the risk of falls among older adults. Yet, a considerable amount of research demonstrates that lack of sufficient social relationships, broadly defined, represents a modifiable risk factor for many indicators of well-being in later life. This study examines the association between two types of social isolation and the risk of falls. The study also examines whether depression mediates the association between social isolation and risk of falls. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2012) were collected from community-dwelling participants aged 65 and older (N=8,464). The outcome variable was number of falls self-reported over the observation period. Independent variables included perceived isolation (feeling lonely, perceptions of social support), social disconnectedness (e.g., having no friends or relatives living nearby, living alone), and number of depressive symptoms. Results from regression models indicated that social disconnectedness was associated with a 5% increase in the risk of falls (IRR=1.05, 95% CI=1.01-1.09). Perceived social support was associated with a 21% increase in the risk of falls; when examined together, perceived social support and loneliness were associated with a combined 37% increase in falls risk. Depression was associated with a 47% increase in falls. Depression mediated the association between perceived isolation and falls. Further, perceived isolation mediated the association between social disconnectedness and falls. Reducing perceived social isolation and social disconnectedness may be an avenue for designing interventions to reduce the risk of falls, especially for older adults with depression.

scholarly journals A New Social Network Scale for Detecting Depressive Symptoms in Older Japanese Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (23) ◽  
pp. 8874
Author(s):  
Seongryu Bae ◽  
Kenji Harada ◽  
Ippei Chiba ◽  
Keitaro Makino ◽  
Osamu Katayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Japanese Adults ◽  
Network Scale

Social engagement and networking deter depression among older adults. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are especially at risk of isolation from face-to-face and non-face-to-face interactions. We developed the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Social Network Scale (NCGG-SNS) to assess frequency of, and satisfaction with, social interactions. The NCGG-SNS consists of four domains: face-to-face/non-face-to-face interactions with family/friends. Each domain score is obtained by multiplying frequency ratings by satisfaction ratings for each item; all scores were summed to obtain a total NCGG-SNS score (range: 0–64). Additionally, face-to-face and non-face-to-face subscores were calculated. Higher scores indicated satisfactory social networking. A cohort of 2445 older Japanese adults completed the NCGG-SNS and the Geriatrics Depression Scale-Short form. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and logistic regression determined predictive validity for depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were reported by 284 participants (11.6%). The optimal NCGG-SNS cut-off value to identify depressive symptoms was 26.5 points. In logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders, lower NCGG-SNS values were significantly associated with greater prevalence of depressive symptoms. Face-to-face and non-face-to-face subscores were associated with depressive symptoms. The NCGG-SNS is a valid and useful indicator of multidimensional social networking enabling identification of depressive symptoms in older adults.

Antidepressant use in multiple sclerosis: epidemiologic study of a large community sample

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1046-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Cetin ◽  
K.L. Johnson ◽  
D.M. Ehde ◽  
C.M. Kuehn ◽  
D. Amtmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Antidepressant Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antidepressant Use ◽  
Clinically Significant

Depressive symptoms and disorders among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more common when compared to other chronic illnesses and the general population, but relatively little is known about the use of antidepressant medication in this population. In this cross-sectional study of 542 community-dwelling adults with MS, we examined the prevalence of antidepressant use and employed multivariate logistic regression modeling to identify factors significantly associated with antidepressant use. Thirty-five percent of the sample reported currently using at least one antidepressant medication. Gender, marital status, insurance status, fatigue, and use of disease modifying therapies were all significantly associated with antidepressant use. Just over half of the sample endorsed a clinically significant level of depressive symptoms, and the majority of this group was not currently taking an antidepressant. Conversely, 41% of those with depressive symptoms reported taking at least one antidepressant medication. More research is needed to better understand why people with MS and depressive symptoms use or do not use antidepressant medications and to further explore the possibility of an under-treatment of depressive disorder in this population. Rigorous studies testing the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of currently available therapies for depression in the MS population should also be conducted. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 1046—1053. http://msj.sagepub.com

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention on Socially Isolated Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada: a Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Xiaoting Ou ◽  
Celia Y.P. Li
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Older Chinese

Abstract Background: Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants. Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n=30 each). Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. An randomized control trial design was used to capture the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation, depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life. Results: The intervention group participants showed a decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to control group participants. They reported fewer depressive symptoms, fewer barriers to social participation, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group. Conclusions: There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches. Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069 Funding: There are no external funding for this study.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Peer-Based Intervention on Loneliness and Social Isolation of Older Chinese Immigrants in Canada: a Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.L. Lai ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Xiaoting Ou ◽  
Celia Y.P. Li
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Social Participation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Chinese Immigrants ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Older Chinese

Abstract Background: Social isolation is a key concern for immigrant older adults. We examined the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing loneliness, social isolation, and improving psychosocial well-being with a sample of aging Chinese immigrants.Methods: Sixty community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and older were randomly assigned to an intervention group and a control group (n=30 each) in a randomized control parallel trial design. Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. Twenty-four volunteers aged 48 to 76 engaged in two-on-one peer support through home visits and telephone calls to provide emotional support, problem-solving support, and community resource sharing. Social workers who are not blinded to the group assignment measured the changes of both the intervention group and the control group participants in a range of psychosocial outcomes including three primary outcomes (loneliness, social support, barriers to social participation) and five secondary outcomes (depressive symptoms, anxiety, life satisfaction, happiness, and purpose in life).Results: The 30 intervention group participants showed a statistically significant decrease in loneliness and increase in resilience when compared to the 30 control group participants. They reported fewer barriers to social participation, fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness while no such improvements were observed in the control group.Conclusions: There is a need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging and increasing immigration, diverse aging adults can be trained to fill volunteer support roles via peer-based intervention approaches.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN14572069, Registered 23 December 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14572069Funding: There are no external funding for this study.

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