| Keywords |
Depression ; Older adults ; Eating alone |
| Abstract |
This study investigated the association between mealtime companionship and depression in older Koreans. Data was analyzed from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI-2, 2014) with 1,701 subjects, aged 60 or older. Depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire. Mealtime compan- ionship was queried for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a health interview survey. Chi-square and logistic regression analy- ses were conducted using IBM SPSS 23.0. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in women than men (12.2 vs. 3.78%). Participants who had breakfast (OR: 2.33; 95% C.I.: 1.61-3.37), lunch (OR: 2.42. 95% C.I: 1.65-3.54), and dinner (OR: 3.09, 95% C.I.: 2.15-4.44) alone faced greater risk than those who dined with others. Women who had break- fast, lunch, and dinner alone faced greater risks of suffering depression compared to those who had dinner with others. In contrast, meal companionship does not increase depression in men. In conclusion, eating alone was identified as a key risk factor for depression, especially in older women. Given that depression can worsen frailty and health outcomes, pro- grams for mealtime companionship directed toward older women should be devised. |