Study approach and field work procedures of the MentDis_ICF65+ project on the prevalence of mental disorders in the older adult European population

Background This study describes the study approach and field procedures of the MentDis_ICF65+ study, which aims to assess the prevalence of mental disorders in older adults. Methods An age-appropriate version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI65+) was developed and tested with regard to its feasibility and psychometric properties in a pre-test and pilot phase. In the cross-sectional survey an age-stratified, random sample of older adults (65–84 years) living in selected catchment areas of five European countries and Israel was recruited. Results N = 3142 participants (mean age 73.7 years, 50.7% female) took part in face-to-face interviews. The mean response rate was 20% and varied significantly between centres, age and gender groups. Sociodemographic differences between the study centres appeared for the place of birth, number of grandchildren, close significants, retirement and self-rated financial situation. The comparison of the MentDis_ICF65+ sample with the catchment area and country population of the study centres revealed significant differences, although most of these were numerically small. Conclusions The study will generate new information on the prevalence of common mental disorders among older adults across Europe using an age-appropriate, standardized diagnostic instrument and a harmonized approach to sampling. Generalizability of the findings and a potentially limited representativeness are discussed

Association of television viewing with mental health and mild cognitive impairment in the elderly in three European countries, data from the MentDis-ICF65+ project

Background Time spent watching TV by Europeans has been calculated to be 22.1 h per week on average and it has shown to be correlated with a series of physical and mental problems in adults. Very little research is available in population over 65. This study aimed at evaluating the association between TV viewing and mental disorders and cognitive performance, taking into account the general physical activity level and socio-demographic characteristics in Europe. Methods Within the MentDis-ICF65+ study, a subsample of 1383 subjects aged 65-84 years were assessed by the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI65+) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity evaluation. Time spent in watching TV was assessed through a self report instrument. Results Forty-three per cent of the total sample watched TV for 5-7 days a week for 2 or more hours every day. Females, people who lived alone, older subjects and those with lower education significantly watched TV for a longer time. Stepwise multiple regression showed statistically significant inverse correlation between Mini-Mental State Examination scores and TV viewing time (p < 0.001). Apart from a negative association with Major Depressive Disorder, no particular associations were found between TV viewing and psychopathological diagnoses. Conclusions Given the relationship of time spending watching TV with cognitive impairment, awareness should be raised about the possible negative effects of TV viewing on the elderly and programs to reduce TV viewing time should be set up