Depressive Symptoms and Their Correlation with Chronic Diseases in a High-Andean Elderly Community in Ayacucho, 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20453/rnp.v89i1.6011Keywords:
aged, altitude, Depression, comorbidityAbstract
Objective: Determine depressive symptoms and their correlation with chronic diseases in a high-Andean elderly community in Ayacucho in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Totos district, Ayacucho, in 2022. The sample included 320 elders, assessing their depressive symptoms using the Yesavage scale and their comorbidities. Data collection for the original study was carried out using non-probabilistic, unintentional census-type sampling. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through surveys. Statistical analysis was used to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and comorbidities, controlling for confounding variables.
Results: 57.3% of older adults presented depressive symptoms, and 19.8% presented endocrinological comorbidities. This suggests a significant correlation between the presence of multiple comorbidities and the onset of depressive symptoms.
Conclusions: The study highlights the correlation between depressive symptoms and medical comorbidities in high-Andean elderly. Therefore, it is necessary to implement public policies focused on the comprehensive mental and physical health care of this population, considering these communities reside at high altitudes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kimberlyn Karyna Custodio Aulla, Fernando Miguel Runzer Colmenares, Diego Urrunaga Pastor, Alfredo Federico Saavedra Castillo
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