Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms among American Indian older adults: adverse childhood experiences and social support

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Authors
Roh, Soonhee
Burnette, Catherine E.
Lee, Kyoung Hag
Lee, Yeon-Shim
Easton, Scott D.
Lawler, Michael J.
Advisors
Issue Date
2015-04-03
Type
Article
Keywords
Older adults , American Indian , Adverse childhood experiences , Risk and protective factors , Social support , Native Americans
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Roh, Soonhee; Burnette, Catherine E.; Lee, Kyoung Hag; Lee, Yeon-Shim; Easton, Scott D.; Lawler, Michael J. 2015. Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms among American Indian older adults: adverse childhood experiences and social support. Aging & Mental Health, vol. 19:no. 4:pp 371-380
Abstract

Objectives: Despite efforts to promote health equity, many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, including older adults, experience elevated levels of depression. Although adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and social support are well-documented risk and protective factors for depression in the general population, little is known about AI/AN populations, especially older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to depression among a sample of AI older adults in the midwest.

Method: Data were collected using a self-administered survey completed by 233 AIs over the age of 50. The survey included standardized measures such as the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, ACE Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Hierarchical multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the main hypotheses of the study.

Results: Two dimensions of ACE (i.e., childhood neglect, household dysfunction) were positively associated with depressive symptoms; social support was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Perceived health and living alone were also significant predictors.

Conclusion: ACE may play a significant role in depression among AI/AN across the life course and into old age. Social support offers a promising mechanism to bolster resilience among AI/AN older adults.

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Publisher
Taylor & Francis Group
Journal
Book Title
Series
Aging & Mental Health;v.19:no.4
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1360-7863
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