OBJECTIVES: To verify the factor structure of the Geriatric Depression Scale of 15 items (GDS 15) in a sample of elderly people assisted by the Family Health Strategy, to describe their social profile, and to analyze the responses to items on the Scale. METHODS: A cross-sectional study interviewing 503 elderly assisted by the Family Health Strategy, in Dourados, MS (Brazil). To analyze the responses of the GDS 15, we used the Mantel-Haenzsel chi-square test (p <0.05) was used. A factor analysis, internal consistency and generalization of the results for the population was performed. RESULTS: Of the 503 elderly interviwed, 69.0% were women, 53.1% were illiterate, 53.7% were 70 years or older, and 34.4% presented depression. Factor analysis identified four factors (apathy, hopelessness, lack of motivation, and isolation). The structure of the GDS 15 did not prove appropriate for the generalizability of results. CONCLUSION: Among elderly patients with depression, apathy and isolation predominated. Health care teams must promote physical, recreational and cultural activities to minimize this situation. Further research is needed, especially to analyze the factorial structure.
Depression; Signs and symptoms; Aged; Family health; Factor analysis, statistical
