International Journal of Nursing

The Effects of the Depression Management Program based on the Social Support Theory on Elderly Women Living Alone
Su-Jin Kwak, Hye-Sun Jung

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of a social support program for depression management in elderly women living alone. Individuals who scored more than five points on the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form Korea Version were selected as participants. They were divided between two depression management programs: 37 received an individual approach and 45 received a group approach. For data analysis, independent samples t-test, chi-square t-test, Fisher’s exact test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA were conducted using SAS 9.3.The results revealed that the depression score of older women living alone in farm villages decreased for the individual approach group in areas with an interaction between approach type and point of time. Depression decreased in the individual approach group for participants with no educational background. Group approach may help manage depression for elderly women living in diverse regions, with different academic backgrounds and depression levels.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v7n2a4