出版社:Pravni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Studijski centar socijalnog rada
摘要:Numerous studies have shown that depression is one of the most common problems related to mental health of elderly persons. Female gender, physical illness, functional (in)ability, the loss of close persons and social support, loneliness and social isolation are mentioned as most frequent risk factors. It has also been shown that depression is more frequent and more prominent in persons who live in institutional setting. The aim of this research is to analyse the relation between gender and age with mobility, health, functional abilities and depression of elderly persons placed in the homes for the elderly and infirm. 101 elderly persons participated in the survey (30 men and 71 women), their average age was 76.34 years (SD=10.33). The depression level was assessed by Zung self rating depression scale, functional ability by the Functional ability scale, and physical and mental health by the Health Questionnaire SF-36. In accordance with the researchers’ expectations, a statistically significant connection between depression, functional ability and mental and physical health was established. The hierarchical regression analysis has shown that significant predictors for the occurrence of depression are female gender, poorer mental health and functional ability, and better physical health. The obtained results were analysed with the view of possibility of improving mental health care for elderly persons.
关键词:elderly persons; depression; functional ability; physical and mental health; homes for the elderly