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Predictors of Depression in Aging South Asian Canadians

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Abstract

This study examined the prevalence and factors of depression among aging South Asians in Canada. Telephone surveys were conducted with a random sample of aging South Asians aged 55 and above. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to determine the factors of depression, which was measured by an adapted 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Over one in five (21.4%) participants reported at least a mild level of depression. A stronger agreement with South Asian cultural values was significantly related to a higher probability of being depressed. Physical health variables were the most significant factors after controlling for socio-demographic and culture-related factors. The findings have demonstrated the linkages between the relationships among socio-cultural factors and depression in older South Asians. Mental health interventions should consider the cultural uniqueness of this target population and the service delivery system should ensure that services are known and accessible to the increasingly culturally diverse aging population.

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Acknowledgements

This original research was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Strategic Theme: Society, Culture and Health of Canadians (Grant No: 828-1999-1032). The completion of this manuscript was supported by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. The first author, the Principal Investigator, University of Calgary, would like to thank the Co-investigators Dr. Ka Tat Tsang, University of Toronto; Dr. Neena Chappell, University of Victoria; Dr. David Lai, University of Victoria; and Shirley Chau, University of British Columbia—Okanagan, for their involvement to make this research successful. The authors would also like to thank Wendy Leonenko, Erica Chan, Cass Law, and Phyllis Luk for their assistance in preparing this manuscript.

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  1. Faculty of Social Work, The University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N. W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N1N4, Canada

    Daniel W. L. Lai & Shireen Surood

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  1. Daniel W. L. Lai
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  2. Shireen Surood
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Correspondence to Daniel W. L. Lai.

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Lai, D.W.L., Surood, S. Predictors of Depression in Aging South Asian Canadians. J Cross Cult Gerontol 23, 57–75 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-007-9051-5

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