The prevalence of depressive symptoms among older patients with hypertension in rural China

ObjectiveThe comorbidity of depression and hypertension (HTN) is common and complicates the management of both conditions. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms among older patients with HTN in rural China and explored the relationship between the two conditions. MethodsThe baseline data of older patients diagnosed with HTN included in the depression/HTN in Chinese Older AdultsCollaborations for Health Study were used for the analysis. The Chinese Older AdultsCollaborations for Health Study was conducted in rural villages of Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province, China. In all, 10389 older village residents had HTN (57.2% female, mean age 71.58.1years). Blood pressure was measured by using a calibrated manual sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Depressive symptom was measured by using the Chinese version of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. ResultsAmong 10389 patients with HTN, 12.8% had significant depressive symptoms (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire10). Rates of significant depressive symptoms were 5.3% and 32.8% among patients with controlled and uncontrolled HTN (systolic blood pressure140 and/or diastolic blood pressure90), respectively ((2)=8.701, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that those in older age group (70years) and with uncontrolled HTN have higher rates of significant depressive symptoms than those who are younger (age 60 to <70) and with controlled HTN. ConclusionOur findings show high rates of depressive symptoms among patients with HTN in rural China and higher rates of depressive symptoms among patients with uncontrolled HTN. These support the development and dissemination of integrative care approaches for older adults with HTN and depression in rural China. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.