Examining the Relationship Between Race and Ethnicity and Depression in Older Adults With Low Vision

Abstract

Older adults from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds and with low vision have independently been found to be at an increased risk of depression. This retrospective cross-sectional pilot study found that non-White older adults with low vision reported significantly more depressive symptoms than White older adults with low vision (P =.005). When controlling for diagnosis and functional impairment, the relationship was no longer significant. Older adults with low vision from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups may be more at risk for depression than White older adults with low vision, with comorbid visual conditions potentially contributing to this relationship.