Analysis of Predictive Factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Depression in Older Adults: Utilizing Decision Tree Analysis

This study aims to explore the key factors influencing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression in older adults using decision tree analysis, based on the 2022 1st-year National Health Statistics data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). To achieve this objective, the CHAID algorithm of the decision tree method was applied. The dependent variables were selected as depression and anxiety, while the independent variables included gender, elderly classification, marital status, employment status, subjective health perception, stress perception, moderate-intensity leisure activity participation, high-intensity leisure activity participation, and physical activity during mobility.<br/> The analysis revealed that the predictive factors for generalized anxiety disorder in older adults were &quotstress perception&quot and &quotelderly classification&quot. Additionally, the predictive factors for depression included &quotstress perception&quot, &quotsubjective health perception&quot, and &quotelderly classification&quot. In summary, both generalized anxiety disorder and depression were found to be significantly influenced by stress perception and elderly classification, with subjective health perception identified as an additional critical factor for depression.