Tracking the Prevalence of Depression Among Older Adults in Singapore: Results From the Second Wave of the Well-Being of Singapore Elderly Study

Abstract

Background: Late-life depression has serious public health implications due to its impact on healthcare systems and the economy. As the prevalence of depression tends to change over time across populations, continuous disease surveillance is warranted to inform evidence-based preventive interventions. The well-being of the Singapore elderly (WiSE) is the second study in the series that looked at the prevalence and correlates of depression in a multiethnic population in Singapore.

Methods: This single-phase and comprehensive cross-sectional study employed stage 1 diagnosis of geriatric mental state-automated geriatric examination for computer-assisted taxonomy (GMS-AGECAT) to capture depression and subsyndromal depression.

Results: The prevalence of depression and subsyndromal depression was 4.4% and 11.9%, respectively, compared to 3.7% and 13.4% in 2013 (p = 0.425). Indians, those who were divorced and had below primary education had higher odds of depression (2.2, 3.6, and 4.2 times, respectively). Depression was associated with severe disability, loneliness, suicidal ideations, poor life satisfaction, health status, and social connections.

Conclusion: Despite a decade of preventive efforts for the population, there has not been any decrease in the prevalence of depression. There needs to be continued efforts to strengthen prevention, detection, and access to care of those with depression. A multiprong community–based preventive strategy focusing on social as well as health factors is needed to promote social connections, reduce loneliness, and promote the overall wellbeing of the elderly.