Data analysis
Data collected were statistically analyzed using the SPSS
18.0.( Chicago, IL, USA) Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
method which involves calculation of a Propensity Score
(PS), which is the conditional probability of engaging in intervention
when subjects’ covariates are controlled. Similar subjects
were then matched based on their PS values. To adjust
for differences in sex, age, education, and daily living activities,
in this study the PS was estimated through logistic
regression in which paired matching of observation sites
between two groups using a minimum distance method was
performed.
All study variables, including socio-demographic characteristics,
daily living activities, and depression, were analyzed
with descriptive statistics. The differences between the two
groups in socio-demographic characteristics, daily living
activities, and depression were analyzed by Student’s paired
t-test and c
2
test.