The relationship of living arrangements and depressive symptoms among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly facing the twin challenges of reduced support from their adult children and taking on new roles caring for orphans and vulnerable children. How these changes affect the mental health of older adults is largely unknown.

Methods

We use data from the 2002-2003 World Health Surveys for 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa to examine whether older adults who may be lacking adequate support through living alone or in skipped-generation households are at an increased risk of depressive symptoms compared to those living with at least one working-age adult. Using meta-regression, we also examine whether heterogeneity across countries in the prevalence of depressive symptoms or in the association between living arrangements

SUBMITTER: McKinnon B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3737026 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature