Associations between Functional Disability and Chronic Conditions with Depressive Symptoms in Vietnamese-Origin Older Refugees

Previous studies have found a strong association between activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability, chronic conditions, and depressive symptoms, and these associations with specific disability and diseases varied by racial/ethnic groups. However, information is unavailable on these associations, especially with the older generation of refugee populations. Authors examined the association and explored which disability and chronic diseases might be associated with depressive symptoms among 208 Vietnamese-origin older adults (≥65 years) from the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey (VACS) in the United States. Study participants were 56.2 percent female on average 75.4 years old with low average education and socioeconomic status. Most (80 percent) rated their health as fair/poor. Regression analyses showed significant associations between functional disability (i.e., ADL and IADL) and chronic diseases (i.e., arthritis and liver disease) and higher depressive symptoms. Complications from chronic conditions and pain might limit daily activities and impact older Vietnamese psychologically. Social workers can connect older Vietnamese and their families with culturally and linguistically relevant adult daycare centers to provide them with social and exercise opportunities. Policymakers can also help these Vietnamese families to have easier access to the facilities by allocating more financial resources for their social service needs.