Trends in depression in the European population aged 50 years and older by geographic region

Abstract

This study assesses the prevalence and trends of depression in the European population aged 50 years and older between 2004 and 2022 in different geographical regions. We retrieved and pooled data from waves 1,2,4,5,6,7,8, and 9 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) conducted between 2004 and 2022. The 12-item EURO-D scale was used as a continuous marker of depression risk. Twenty-eight countries were classified into five geographical regions (Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern Europe, and Israel) as defined by the United Nations. A total of 375 693 observations corresponding to 146 888 participants (weighted mean age 65.8 years [SE=0.2], 54.2% women) were included in the study. In 2022, the overall prevalence of self-reported depression in Europe was 28.3% (95% CI: 27.0-29.7). From 2004 to 2022, the prevalence of self-reported depression in Europe decreased significantly by 5.9% (95% CI= -8.1 to -3.8). In particular, in Southern Europe, the prevalence of depression decreased significantly by 8.8% (95% CI= -12.3 to -5.2). No significant differences were observed in the other geographic regions. These findings highlight the need to develop depression screening and prevention strategies focused on countries with higher prevalence and identified associated factors.