Naslov
Are the untreated anxiety and depression in elderly unrecognized sources of increased health care utilisation?

Autori
Vadla, Draženka ; Božikov, Jadranka ; Kovačić, Luka.

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
European Journal of Public Health / Mackenbach, Johan P. - London : Delhi : Oxford University Press, 2012, 212-213

Skup
5 th European Public Health Conference, All Inclusive Public Health

Mjesto i datum
San Ġiljan, Malta, 08.11.2012. - 10.11.2012

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
anxiety ; depression ; elderly ; public health

Sažetak
Background Prevalence of anxiety and depression among elderly is varying across Europe and might be associated with healthcare utilisation. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed in eight districts of five European countries (Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Croatia and Greece) participating in the Tipping the Balance Towards Primary Health Care Network. A total of 3, 540 persons aged 70 or more were interviewed in 2006, among them 1, 469 from three Croatian districts. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was used to screen for symptoms of anxiety and depression and findings were classified as normal, borderline or probable. Self-reported hospitalization and visits to specialists during last 12 months were accounted for healthcare utilization. Non- parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square) were used for comparisons. Results A clear North-South gradient in anxiety and depression was found ranging from 6%-8.4% of participants with probable or borderline anxiety in Northern European countries through 35.2%-55.9% in three Croatian districts to 57.1% in Greek district and respective percentages for depression were 5.7– 17.2, 45.7–63.1 and 69.8. Same pattern was observed for healthcare utilization: specialist- advisory care was used by 40%, 50–60% and 70% respectively, while percentages of hospitalized varied between 20% and 32%. Overall, in three Croatian districts probably or borderline anxious were 20% and 24% of participants while respective findings for depression were 31% and 23%. Only 15% of those classified as being probably anxious and 10% of borderline paid a visit to GP in the last 4 weeks due to anxiety treatment, and even fewer of those with depression (4% and 2%, respectively). Anxious patients visited specialist more frequently than those without symptoms (RR = 1.24, CI 1.10–1.39 and RR = 1.14, CI 1.02–1.28 for probable and borderline respectively). Depression proved to be statistically significant risk factor for hospitalization (RR = 1.61, CI 1.29–2.02 and RR = 1.40 CI 1.08–1.80, respectively) as well as probable anxiety (RR = 1.40, CI 1.11–1.78). Conclusions Anxiety and depression in elderly seems to be an unrecognized source of increased healthcare utilisation and therefore their symptoms should be recognised and treated at earliest possible stage.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

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