Mental health index of the elderly population in Medellín (Colombia)−2021: a factorial analysis

Abstract

IntroductionThere are several risk factors associated with developing mental disorders among people over 60 years of age. Mental health encompasses multiple domains or capacities, which can comprise the psychological wellbeing of older people. Therefore, resilient coping, self-compassion, self-esteem, hopelessness, quality of life, and depression are considered the characteristics and adaptive mechanisms that bring together the main risk and protective factors for imbalance in mental wellbeing.ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish the demographic, social, and family factors, as well as the clinical characteristics and lifestyle habits that influence the mental health of the elderly people in the city of Medellín, in the year 2021, to build a mental health index.MethodologyThis study adopts a quantitative approach, employs retrospective temporality, and utilizes secondary sources. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with the SABAM Project (health and mental wellbeing of older adults from five cities in Colombia in 2021 by its Spanish acronym) database (secondary source), which is part of the research group “Public Health Observatory” of CES University (Medellín, Colombia). The database comprised 500 records of people aged over 60 years from the city of Medellín in 2021. While constructing the index, a principal component analysis was used, along with the Varimax method for factor analysis rotation.ResultsThe median age of the general population was 67 years (IQR 63–72); for men, the median age was 66 years (IQR 63–71) and for women, the median age was 67 years (IQR 63–72). An association was found between low socioeconomic levels, alcohol consumption, and the level of higher education (university—postgraduate) with low levels of the Mental Health Index in people over 60 years of age in Medellín during the year 2021.ConclusionA quantitative model was developed to predict either a positive or negative prognosis in the mental wellbeing of the population over 60 years of age in the city of Medellín. The model was also used for the development of a sociodemographic profile highlighting the impact on mental health among people over 60 years of age with limited economic resources.