Assessment of Depression in Older Adults in a Rural Field Practice Area of a Tertiary Health Care Centre of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Depression in older adults is a disease as well as a risk factor for other diseases. The objective of the present study was assessment of depression in older adults residing in a rural field practice area of a tertiary health care centre of Western Maharashtra.Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, systematic random sampling with population proportionate to sample size was used to select a sample of 660 older adults from the study population. A predesigned questionnaire was used and clinical examination was done. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 12 after translating into thelocal language (Marathi) was used for the diagnosis of depression. Those who gave consent to participate were included and those who could not give consent due to serious illness were excluded from the study. Data analysis was done in Microsoft Excel. Statistical association between variables was tested using chi square test.Conclusion: Depression was significantly associated (p value < 0.05) with the female gender, widow/widower,illiteracy, sedentary life, anaemia and osteoarthritis. The community health workers in rural areas can help toprovide health services including those for depression and so their proper training is necessary.