1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«In this article, we aim to test the hypothesis that the association between social networks and sources of social support and conflict among Quebec older persons varies according to area of residence, and that these differences may at least partially account for geographical differences in the prevalence of depression.» (p. 1227)

Questions/Hypothèses :
«Considering that the younger generation tends to migrate from rural to urban areas and that older people have seen their support networks decline, we anticipated that informal social networks would affect rates of depression more significantly in rural areas than in urban areas, and that social integration through participation in community activities would be more strongly associated with low prevalence of depression among urban populations.» (p. 1227)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«Data used in this study originated with the first wave of the ESA longitudinal study (Étude sur la Santé des Ainés) on the mental health of the community dwelling population aged over 65 able to understand and speak French. […] For this study, we used the sample of 2670 elderly persons [of the province of Quebec] [...].» (p. 1227)

Instruments :
Questionnaire (ESA Diagnostic Questionnaire)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

According to the authors, «[...] depression occurs relatively frequently among the Quebec elderly population, particularly in areas outside metropolitan Montreal. In this study, rural and urban differences may be confounded by the differences in economic development, employment opportunities, cultural diversity and availability of services between Montreal and the smaller cities and even more between Montreal and the rural areas of Quebec.» (p. 1234) However, the authors, «[...] do not have data on these issues in the ESA survey, neither can [they] examine the considerable heterogeneity within rural and urban areas and further research is needed to understand why these geographic differences in depression persist even after adjustment for confounding variables. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that social support, community involvement and conflict with spouse and possibly with children affect depression. Although intimate social support and lack of strain in relationships with spouse and children are factors influencing the prevalence of depression, the role of community participation through volunteer work merits further research and attention as a possible venue for intervention against depression.» (p. 1234)