A study on mental health status and its determinants in elderly people of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

Background: Rapid increase in nuclear families and contemporary changes in psychosocial matrix makes vulnerable to older people to develop mental health Problems. In the above context study was done to assess mental health status and its determinants in elderly people of Raipur city, Chhattisgarh, India. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted in randomly selected 32 areas of Raipur city during July 2013 to June 2014. Multi stage simple random sampling was used. A total of 640 subjects were included in study. Sample size was calculated by using statistical formula, n= Z21-α/2 P (1-P)/d.1 Predesigned and pretested proforma were used for data collection. Ethical consideration was obtained from institutional ethical Committee and Informed Consent from subject. All elderly of age 60 years and above who were residing in the study area for at least one year, and Willing to Participate in study without compulsion were included in study. Results: Out of total study population 20.31% had excellent whereas 79.68% showed average mental health status. Study observed that out of total study population 52.03% had anxiety whereas 27.65% had depression and 20.31% were normal that have excellent mental health status. Male had better mental health than female. Those who were performing physical activity during leisure time and economically independent and belong to upper socioeconomic group and married had better mental health. Conclusions: Females lives longer than male leads to feminization of ageing. It is important to improve the social capital and involve communities and families in supporting the older adults.