Effectiveness of Pet Therapy on Depression among Elderly Residing In Selected Old Age Homes at Bangalore

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is prevalent among elderly individuals, significantly affecting their quality of life. Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, is gaining attention as a potential intervention to alleviate these symptoms. This study aims to assess pet therapy's impact on depression among elderly residents in selected Bangalore old age homes. The findings suggest implications for geriatric care and mental health interventions, underscoring pet therapy's potential as a complementary approach to enhancing emotional well-being in institutional settings. Background of the study: Depression in seniors can result from factors like bereavement, retirement, social isolation, health issues, or traumatic events such as strokes or falls. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent severe outcomes like physical illness, strained relationships, neglect, self-harm, or suicide. Late-onset depression in old age is a significant aspect of geriatric major depression, differing from early-onset depression experienced earlier in life. Objectives of the Study: 1. To evaluate the level of depression in elderly individuals before undergoing pet therapy. 2. To assess the effectiveness of pet therapy in reducing depression among elderly individuals post-intervention. 3. To examine the association between depression levels and selected demographic variables among elderly residents in selected old age homes in Bangalore. Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized a non-equivalent control group design with 60 depressed patients (30 in each group) selected via convenient sampling. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire for socio-demographic details and Beck’s Depression Inventory to measure depression levels. Pet therapy was administered exclusively to the experimental group for 14 days after the pre-test, followed by a post-test using the same scale for both groups. Analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Pre-test results showed the experimental group had 40% severe and 6.7% extreme depression, while the control group had 40% moderate and 10% extreme depression. Post-test results indicated no extreme depression in the experimental group, with 40% showing moderate depression. In contrast, the control group had 36.7% moderate and 10% extreme depression. The experimental group showed a significant reduction in depression levels from pre-test to post-test (t=16.53*, p < 0.05). Additionally, post-test scores differed significantly between the experimental and control groups (t=2.04*, p < 0.05), confirming hypothesis H1. Conclusion: Pet therapy integration into nursing practice for elderly patients with depression emphasizes its efficacy in reducing depression levels, highlighting its importance in clinical settings.