Depression and Family Functionality in Elderly in a Family Medicine Unit from Guayalejo, Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: to determine the association between depression and family functionality in the elderly of the Family Medicine Unit (umf) no. 4, in Guayalejo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Methods: exploratory, observational, prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 220 patients ≥60 years of age were included, who attended consultation during 2013. The Geriatric Depression Scale of Yesavage and the Family apgar Test were applied; univariate descriptive statistic was used. Inferential statistics: Bivariate correlation of Pearson, for discrepancies between quantitative variables, Spearman correlation and χ2, for difference between groups. Results: the profile found of the studied population is typical of the Mexican society, which tends to obesity type 1. By gender, female prevailed with obesity type 2, family structure was correlated with functionality (apgar) and depression (Yesavage): it was shown statistical significance between nuclear family and family functionality (p=0.01). Quadratic or linear association between the other variables could not be determined. Conclusions: family functionality is not related to any level of depression, however it was documented that the nuclear family is a protective factor for family dysfunction. It would be required to conduct a study of cases and controls to be able to inquire about different variables that influence the functionality of the family.