“Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors Among Elderly Population: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v29i1.924Keywords:
Depression, Geriatric Psychiatry, Visual Impairment, Perceived Stress.Abstract
Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among the elderly and is associated with substantial impairment in quality of life, functional ability, and overall health outcomes. Aging is frequently accompanied by chronic medical illnesses, sensory impairments, and psychosocial stressors, all of which may contribute to the development of depression. Early identification of depression and its associated factors is essential for improving geriatric mental health care.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression among elderly individuals and to assess its association with sociodemographic characteristics, medical comorbidities, sensory impairments, psychiatric morbidities, and perceived stress
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 elderly individuals aged 60 years and above. Sociodemographic details, medical comorbidities, sensory impairments, psychiatric morbidities, and perceived stress were assessed using a structured proforma and standardized assessment tools. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The prevalence of depression among the study participants was 23.6% (65/275). Depression was the most common psychiatric morbidity identified. Visual impairment was present in 53.8% of participants, while hearing impairment was present in 45.5%. Depression showed significant associations with lower educational status (p=0.047), visual impairment (p=0.027), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.012), ischemic heart disease (IHD) (p=0.002), and higher perceived stress scores (mean PSS score 15.05±10.41 vs. 10.37±8.54; p=0.0001). No significant associations were observed with place of residence, religion, marital status, occupation, family history, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, combined hypertension and diabetes, or hearing impairment.
Conclusion: Depression is a common mental health problem among the elderly. Lower educational attainment, visual impairment, COPD, IHD, and increased perceived stress were significantly associated with depression. Routine screening for depression in elderly individuals, particularly those with sensory impairment and chronic medical illnesses, may facilitate early identification and timely intervention.
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