Abstract:

Depression in older adults has been associated with loss, physical illness, disability, and social stressors. While limited research has been conducted with rural elders, they may be at increased risk for depression as frailty can lead to isolation from the social network. The purposes of this study were to explore the relationships among loneliness, functional status, learned-helplessness, and depression in rural older adults and to explore behavioral or psychological predictors useful in identifying individuals at risk for depression. Subjects were interviewed using the Rural Older Adult Health Survey (ROAHS) which included demographic data, Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (RULS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), and Functional Status Scale. MHLC subscale scores reflecting externality (Chance health locus of control and Powerful other health locus of control) measured learned-helplessness. Subjects age range was 65 to 87 with a mean age of 72. Subjects were being referred to home health services following hospitalization served as the convenience sample (N = 132). Forty-three percent were widowed, 40.2% lived alone, 33.3% lived with a spouse, and 20.5% lived with their children. Cardiovascular disease was the primary admitting diagnosis. Correlational analysis and stepwise logistic regression were used to determine relationships. Results indicated statistical significance difference (p=.05) in depression and chance locus of control (CHLC). Loneliness, locus of control, and functional status were also statistically significant (p=.05). Living with children and cardiovascular illness were indicated as major predictors of depression. The findings suggest that assessment of mental status is important prior to hospital discharge and home health admission. Further study to explore changes in coping behaviors in aging is recommended.