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Theoretical framework: Depressive symptoms are common among the elderly, and it is important to have access to a reliable and easy-to-use screening scale. Objectives: To contribute to the validation of the Portuguese versions of the 15-item, 10-item and 5-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Methodology: The GDS-15 was hetero-applied to 889 elders, with a mean age of 78.02 years. The factor structure of the GDS-15 and the internal consistency of the three versions were analysed. Results: The three-factor solution of the GDS-15 explains 45.89% of the variance, but four items load on two factors. The internal consistency of the GDS-5, GDS-10 and GDS-15 versions, as well as of factor 1 is satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging between 0.78 and 0.84, but it is modest in relation to factors 2 and 3, with 0.62 and 0.59 values, respectively. The GDS-5 and the GDS- 10 are strongly correlated with the GDS-15. Conclusion: The GDS versions revealed good psychometric properties and may be used to screen depressive symptoms in the elderly; however, the GDS-15 revealed same fragility related to factor structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Acta Paulista de Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Determining the prevalence of depressive symptoms and associated factors in institutionalized elderly. Methods: Cross-sectional study that included 211 elderly from Brazil and 342 from Portugal, all residing in long-stay institutions. The survey instrument was the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was found among 49.76% of the elderly in Brazil and in 61.40% of the Portuguese seniors. The Brazilian elderly with depressive symptomatology have the single marital status, low number of years of study and gender as main associated factors. Among the Portuguese elderly, the main associated factor was the age over 70 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was high and its early recognition may contribute to the quality of life of institutionalized elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]