Factors influencing the risks of depression among urban elderly people in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand

Abstract

Depression poses a significant and widespread issue in numerous countries and is capable of inflicting severe hardships if left untreated. However, there remains limited understanding regarding the influential factors contributing to the risk of depression among elderly individuals residing in urban areas of Thailand. Thus, this study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research approach. The research involved 735 elderly participants residing in urban regions of Phitsanulok Province, Thailand, selected through stratified sampling. Data collection included interviews, with subsequent analysis incorporating percentage calculations, means, standard deviation, and binary logistic regression analysis. Findings revealed several risk factors associated with depression among urban elderly individuals, encompassing single status, dietary inadequacy, a close relative with the history of depression, low self-esteem, and low social support. Collectively, these factors predict a 57.90% risk of depression among urban elderly individuals, with a predictive accuracy rate of 97.40%. The study outcomes provide relevant agencies with valuable insights for monitoring and safeguarding urban elderly populations against the risk of depression, with potential applications in other contexts as deemed appropriate.