Objectives:

The present study aims to identify the prevalence and factors associated with depression in older adults attending day care centers in Quito, Ecuador.

Methods:

This study is a correlational study with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The study was applied in the 8 "Centros de Experiencia del Adulto Mayor" in the city of Quito, Ecuador. A total of 463 older adults with a mean age of 70.15 years were evaluated. All participants were administered a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, cognitive functioning, levels of depression, autonomy, and physical activity were measured.

Results:

Using linear regressions, direct relationships were identified between depression scores with marital status (B=0.276, p=0.04) and renal impairment (B=1.257, p=0.007); and inverse relationships with educational level (B=-0. 537, p=0.002), sleep hours (B=-0.342, p<0.001), fish consumption (B=-0.318, p=0.021), physical activity (B=-0.454, p=0.002) and cognitive impairment (B=-0.091, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The results reflect the importance of considering a holistic approach in addressing depression in the older adult, including health, functional status and cognitive status together to prevent and or address depression in older adults. This study contributes to the implementation of public health policies related to the variables associated with depression in adults.