Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiological changes can have an effect on social and, and in particular, family ties, which are important elements in the mental health of older people. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of family support on depressive disorders in older people of the community. Material and methods: Face to face interviews were conducted on a representative sample of adults 60 years and older, living in urban area of Santiago de Chile. The information on depressive disorders was related to family composition, emotional and instrumental support, presence of conflict, health self-perception, functionality and self-efficiency. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Results: From a total of 394 participants, 62% females, mean age 74 years (SD=8.1), 16% felt depressed almost every day. Depressive disorders were significantly associated in regression models with impaired self-perception of health and efficacy, lower instrumental support, and with the presence of conflict. The variable that most contributed to the model was self-rated poor health, increasing the odds of depressive disorders by 3.2. Conclusions: Poor perception of health was the main determining factor for depressive complaints in older people, followed by lower family support, specifically instrumental support, and the presence of conflict. This information can help future programs in order to improve the quality of life in older people. © 2011 SEGG.