Yonsei Med J.  1989 Sep;30(3):269-279. 10.3349/ymj.1989.30.3.269.

Patterns of mental disorders among the elderly in a Korean rural community

• Lee HY
• Shin SC

• KMID: 1097017
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.1989.30.3.269

Abstract

This study reports the overall prevalence of cognitive impairment and other mental dysfunctions. In Kangwha County, Korea, noninstitutionalized persons aged 65 and older, selected by a stratified two-stage cluster sampling, were interviewed by trained lay interviewers using the Korean version of Older Americans Resources and Services (K-OARS) and Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Overall, 17% of the population had mild cognitive impairment and 3% had severe cognitive impairment. Self-reports, self-ratings and interviewer ratings of various mental problems and symptoms included in the questionnaire were investigated as variables. Differences in the prevalence rate of various mental problems and symptoms according to a set of demographic variables were examined.

Keyword

Geriatriz psychiatry; dementia; epidemiology; mental disorders

MeSH Terms

Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cognition Disorders/epidemiology
Female
Human
Korea/epidemiology
Male
Mental Disorders/*epidemiology
Prevalence
Rural Population
Support, Non-U.S. Gov't