The Effect of the Traditional Living Arrangement, Anpakkori, on Depressive Symptoms in Elderly People Residing on Jeju Island.
- Author:
Eun Hui OH
1
;
Moon Doo KIM
;
Seong Chul HONG
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Science, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea. mdkim66@jejunu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Depressive symptoms;
Correlates;
Living arrangement
- MeSH:
Activities of Daily Living;
Adult Children;
Aged;
Depression;
Humans;
Korea;
Prevalence;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Residence Characteristics;
Weights and Measures
- From:Psychiatry Investigation
2009;6(3):131-140
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of anpakkori, a traditional living arrangement, on depression among elderly people on Jeju Island in Korea. METHODS: A total of 593 subjects were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire developed by the authors, the Korean version of Geriatric Depression Scale (KGDS), the Social Support Scale, and the Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scales (ADL/IADL). Subjects were classified into three groups: those residing with their adult children, those living individually, and those living in the traditional Jeju anpakkori living arrangement. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression in this study was 53.1%, and the traditional Jeju living arrangement, anpakkori, was significantly correlated with the presence of depressive symptoms (p=0.005)[odds ratio (OR)=1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.16-3.06]. CONCLUSION: Living in the traditional Jeju way may not be as good for establishing family solidarity as is living with adult children. Moreover, elderly individuals prone to depression tended to live in this anpakkori living arrangement. Careful psychological and social support systems that might prevent the development of depressive symptoms should be provided for those who live in anpakkori living arrangements.
