The Influence of Social Support on Depression among Elderly People in Serbia

Abstract Social factors such as social support, integration, and belonging to the community are positive resources against adverse events and living conditions. This study at examining the influence of social support on depression among elderly people in Serbia. The research was done according to the type of cross-sectional study, a mass survey of a random, representative stratified two-stage sample of the population of Serbia in 2013, which was conducted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. The target population consisted of 3540 respondents aged 65 and over. The Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) was used to evaluate the presence of depressive symptoms and the social support score from the questionnaire Oslo-3 scale of social support. The relations between depression symptoms and social support were examined with univariate logistic regression analyses. In the univariate regression model, social support stood out as a strong predictor of depression. People with weak social support are three and a half times more likely (OR = 3.45) to have depression compared to those with strong social support. Men with small social support were more likely to have depression (OR = 5.08) than women (OR = 3.41). These results indicate the urgency of addressing depression as a public health priority to reduce the burden and disability and improve the overall health of the elderly population.