Risk Factors Associated With Depression And Anxiety In Older Adults Of Mexican Origin

Abstract

Older adults of Mexican origin are often underserved, especially those residing in nursing homes. The purpose of this study was to examine if there was a relationship among risk factors associated with depression and anxiety in older adults of Mexican origin. Using a quantitative correlational design, the relationships were assessed with a demographic questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A sample of 150 elders of Mexican origin residing in nursing homes in a Texas–Mexico border city were examined using two multiple regression analyses. Data analysis indicated that there was a relationship between risk factors associated with depression and anxiety. Data from this study confirmed that a high score on ADLs predicted greater depression and anxiety while female gender predicted higher anxiety and frequent family support predicted low anxiety.