Abstract
The proportion of older persons in Bangladesh is gradually increasing due to declining mortality rates and increased life expectancy. Bangladesh faces significant challenges around older persons’ health and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess older persons’ depression in two southern districts of Bangladesh and the relationship between depression and several socio-demographic characteristics. Data were collected from 280 older persons using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-10). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and depression data. One way classification of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare different groups of older persons with different socio-demographic characteristics. A large majority (84.3%) of participants reported having depression. Being widowed, being illiterate, the presence of disease(s), living in a nuclear family, and having a low income were found to be significant factors contributing to older persons’ depression. The identification of internal and external factors that affect older persons’ depression may inform screening and intervention programs and reduce the consequences of depression.
Highlights
Today, many countries face the impact of ageing population
Compounding the issue is that depression is often under-reported by both patients and clinicians, and under-treated
As a result of these issues, depression can lead to greater levels of disability than physical sickness [3]
Summary
Mortality rates are declining and life expectancy is increasing. In Bangladesh, the proportion of older persons (aged 60 or above) was 6.9% in 2011 [1]. The frequency of negative experiences among older persons increases. These may include loneliness, widowhood, death of loved ones, fear of death, and difficulty managing chronic diseases. These experiences make older persons vulnerable to depression. Compounding the issue is that depression is often under-reported by both patients and clinicians, and under-treated. As a result of these issues, depression can lead to greater levels of disability than physical sickness [3]
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