To present the results of the prevalence of depression in a multi-center study from 4 urban cities in Latin-American and the Caribbean. SABE represents an international collaborative effort among 8 countries coordinated by PAHO and multiple funding partners. Material and Method: The data were collected in an interview for self-assessment of health, physical and mental impairments and history of chronic diseases from persons 60+ living at home. The population studied was selected through strictly comparable cross-sectional surveys in random samples of older persons residing in Santiago, Sao Paulo, Mexico City and Havana. An important feature of the study is that it is comparative in nature. The data collection of SABE focuses on six dimensions: a) self-assessment of health; b) physical and mental impairments and disability; c) history of principal chronic conditions; d)access to and use of health care; e) extent and nature of family and kin support directly and indirectly associated f) labor and income history. Depression was estimated through Yesavage’s Depression Scale, 15 items (GDS-15) and 6 or more points is considered positive. Demented subjects were excluded.
Results: SABE provides comprehensive and solid knowledge of the health conditions of older persons representing very different societies in terms of their combination of socioeconomic, demographic and political contexts. The prevalence of depression was in Sao Paulo (Women 24.4%, Men 13.8%), Havana (Women 23.5%, Men 12.1%), Santiago (Women 29.4%, Men 21.8%) and Mexico City (Women 19.6%, Men 13.7%)
Conclusion: The comparative data collection of the SABE study has been found to be invaluable for scientific and policy purposes. The study reflects the possible effects of the various systems of health and social service delivery and financing on functional capacity; living arrangements; and family transfers. Screening using Yesavage’s Depression Scale GDS-15 yields in average that almost one fourth of the elderly have depression, not affected by age and is higher in the low socioeconomic level.
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