Relationship of depression, chronic disease, self-rated health, and gender with health care utilization among community-living elderly

Depression and chronic illness are very common health conditions in older people (Kok and Reynolds, 2017; Wolff et  al., 2002). They are strongly correlated with each other (Fiske et al., 2009) and cause substantial functional impairment and other detrimental effects on the quality of life of those affected (Blazer, 2003; Sprangers et al., 2000). Both conditions also create a significant socioeconomic burden , which is partially mediated by an increase in physician visits and frequency and duration of hospitalizations among the elderly (Katon et al., 2003; Murray et al., 2012).
Source: Journal of Affective Disorders - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Research paper Source Type: research