Abstract
Background and PurposeMental health problems are common in old age, but frequently remain undetected and untreated. Mental health problems in the elderly are the result of a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and emotional stress) and their associated factors among the Malay elderly in a rural community of Perak, Malaysia.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study. The Malay elderly aged 60 years and above were selected through convenient sampling to give a total of 230 respondents. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Bivariate analyses were performed using chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the factors and each of the mental health statuses assessed.ResultsThe results showed that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among the elderly respondents was 27.8%, 22.6%, and 8.7%, respectively. The significant factors for depression were single elderly (Adjusted OR = 3.27, 95%CI 1.66, 6.44), living with family (Adjusted OR = 4.98, 95%CI 2.05, 12.10), and poor general health status (Adjusted OR = 2.28, 95%CI 1.20, 4.36). Living with family was the only significant factor for anxiety (Adjusted OR = 2.68, 95%CI 1.09, 6.57). There was no significant factor for stress.ConclusionsDepression and anxiety among the Malay elderly in the rural community were very worrying. More equity in health should be created or strengthened in order to intensify the opportunity to identify, diagnose, and treat those with mental health problems. Living arrangement in the rural community was an important factor that had influenced depression and anxiety. Therefore, further research is recommended for more comprehensive information, as a result of which appropriate intervention can be made.
Highlights
The problem of aging is becoming a global phenomenon both in developed and developing countries
Further research is recommended for more comprehensive information, as a result of which appropriate intervention can be made
This present study showed that the prevalence of depression among the Malay elderly was high, which was in concordance with the study by Rashid et al [20], conducted in a similar rural community in northern Malaysia, with a reported prevalence of depression of 30.1%
Summary
The problem of aging is becoming a global phenomenon both in developed and developing countries. Mental health problems in the elderly are the result of a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Studies have shown that about 15% of elderly had limited mobility which required assistance, 30% had suffered with cognitive impairment and over 50% had chronic physical illnesses [9,10]. Later, this may lead to a double impact in the sequalae, of losing their ability to live well mentally as well as losing their independence in life. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and emotional stress) and their associated factors among the Malay elderly in a rural community of Perak, Malaysia.
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