Depression, Anxiety and Loneliness among Elderly Living in Geriatric Homes

Abstract

Background: Elderly “living in old age care homes” are expanding in numbers; and are prone to psychological stress such as depression, anxiety and loneliness. Aim: This study was to assess depression, anxiety, and loneliness among elderly living in old aged homes. Research design: A descriptive exploratory design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at the geriatric home in Benha City, Kaluobia Governorate, and the geriatric home in Tanta City, Gharbiya Governorate. Sample: A purposeful sample of 50 elderly (males & females) residing in elderly homes was included for the conduction of this study. Study tools: Tool (1): Structured Interview Questionnaire Schedule; Tool (2): Beck's Depression Inventory; Tool (3): Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS); and Tool (4): UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Results: About three quarters of the studied elderly have depression and more than two thirds have anxiety, while the majority of them suffer from loneliness. Regarding depression levels, less than two thirds have severe depression; more than of one third of them have severe and moderate anxiety. Regarding level of the loneliness, majority of the studied sample have severe loneliness. There is a highly statistical significant correlation between total loneliness and total depression, also between total geriatric anxiety and depression at p value . Conclusion: The study concluded that the studied elderly living in geriatrics homes had higher levels of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Recommendations: Intervention program or measures to manage or overcome anxiety, depression and loneliness among elderly living in geriatric homes.