Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigated the sex differences in depressive symptom networks among community-dwelling older adults in Korea. The analysis was based on the 2019 Korean Community Health Survey data targeting older adults aged 65 years or older. Using network analysis, depressive symptom networks were constructed according to the items listed in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for propensity score-matched male (n = 1,885) and female groups (n = 2,848). Strength centrality and network stability were tested. A network comparison test was performed to compare the global strength, network structure, and specific edge strength between the networks. Symptoms central to the network were similar between sexes, which were suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and psychomotor retardation/agitation. However, the global structure (S = 0.67, p = .008) and network structure (M = 0.11, p = .043) differed between sexes. The female symptom network showed more strengthened edges (Smale = 2.00; Sfemale = 2.66). Particularly, four edges—loss of interest–hopelessness (E = 0.09, p = .016), sleep disturbance–low energy/fatigue (E = 0.11, p = .005), loss of interest–concentration difficulty (E = 0.05, p = .047), and worthlessness–concentration difficulty (E = 0.08, p = .045)—were more pronounced in the female network. Our results may help guide future research and clinical interventions for female depression.
Depressive Symptom Dimensions and Their Association with Hippocampal and Entorhinal Cortex Volumes in Community Dwelling Older Adults
