![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: understand the differences in the prevalence of depression between Taiwanese and American older patients with arthritis
Learning Objective 2: understand the associated factors of depression among older patients with arthritis in Taiwan and American
Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of two cross-sectional studies. A total of 221 older patients with arthritis, 151 Taiwanese and 70 American, were recruited from four rheumatologic clinics based in medical centers in northern Taiwan and Chicago, Illinois, USA. The subjects were interviewed to complete the questionnaire. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale.
Results: The prevalence of depression of Taiwanese and American older patients with arthritis was 34% and 40%, respectively. The level of depression was significantly higher in the American older patients with arthritis than in the Taiwanese patients. Life satisfaction and functional ability were significant predictors of depression in Taiwanese older patients with arthritis, while life satisfaction and level of pain were significant predictors in the Chicago sample.
Conclusion: These finding showed that life satisfaction was an important protective factor of depression in both groups. Nurses are encouraged to provide culturally sensitive care for depression of older patients with arthritis among various ethnic groups.