Psychosocial and functional factors associated with depressive symptoms in older Mexican adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Evidence on factors associated with depressive symptoms in older Mexican adults remains dispersed.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize sociodemographic, psychosocial, and functional factors associated with depressive symptoms among community-dwelling Mexican adults aged ≥60 years.

METHODS

Following PRISMA 2020, seven databases were searched for observational studies using validated depression instruments. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for factors with at least three comparable estimates; others were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies were included (six in the meta-analysis). Functional dependence in activities of daily living showed the strongest, most robust association with depressive symptoms (OR=2.26, 95% CI 1.95-2.63; I2=0%). Low educational attainment was directionally positive but imprecise (OR=2.47, 95% CI 0.42-14.50; I2=70%), and multimorbidity was inconclusive due to high heterogeneity (OR=1.77, 95% CI 0.77-4.07; I2=92%). Loneliness, elder abuse, food insecurity, poor self-rated health, and low social support showed suggestive associations but could not be pooled.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional dependence is the most consistent correlate of depressive symptoms in this population, supporting integrated depression screening and functional assessment. Longitudinal designs are needed to clarify causal pathways.