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Factors associated with depressive symptoms in older Taiwanese adults in a long-term care community

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2013

Ya-Chuan Hsu*
Affiliation:
Department of Nursing, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan City, Taiwan
Terry Badger
Affiliation:
College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
Pamela Reed
Affiliation:
College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
Elaine Jones
Affiliation:
College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Professor Ya-Chuan Hsu, PhD, RN, FAAN, Department of Nursing, Chang Jung Christian University, No. 396, Chang Jung Rd. Sec. 1, Kway Jen District, Tainan City, 71101, Taiwan, ROC. Phone: +886-6-2785-123; ext. 3155/886-7-7883-753/0975139695; Fax: +886-6-2785-581. Email: x3139@mail.cjcu.edu.tw.

Abstract

Background: This study was to examine culturally based factors as potential predictors of depressive symptoms in older Taiwanese adults living in eight long-term care institutions in southern Taiwan.

Method: A cross-sectional, exploratory design study was used with a purposive sample of 156 participants with a mean age of 79.80 ± 7.14 years. Measurements included filial responsibility expectation questions, two questions about degrees of acceptance of institutionalization, Perceived Stress Scale, Self-Transcendence Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results: An elder's willingness to be institutionalized, an elder's willingness to remain institutionalized, perceived stress, and self-transcendence were significantly associated with depressive symptoms (r = –0.35; –0.49; 0.60; and –0.67, respectively). Although no evidence for the relationship between filial responsibility and depressive symptoms was found in this study, there was evidence that filial responsibility was highly valued. Self-transcendence was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms, accounting for 45% of the variance.

Conclusion: These findings provide insight into the cultural factors associated with depressive symptoms and support the need of timely interventions for institutionalized Taiwanese elderly population.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013

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