Level of Depression in Older Adults Related to Functional Capacity

Abstract

Introduction: It is expected that by the year 2050, the number of people aged 60 or over will be higher than that of adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24, and nearly 65 % of older people will live in low- and middle-income countries.1 In this regard aging will become a very important object of study. This process, combined with the lack of physical activity, become conclusive factors in the progressive loss or alteration of physical and mental abilities (for example, depression).2, 3 Hypothesis: Worse functionality is related to depressive levels in older adults. Objective: To determine the level of depression (geriatric depression scale Yesavage) related to the functionality (Barthel Index/scale) of the elderly patients. Methodology: A convenience sample of 40 elderly patients (>60 years) was selected at the “Centro de Salud con Servicios Ampliados (CESSA) Romero Vargas” (Puebla, Mexico) who constantly attended follow-up consultations. During the period August-October 2023, the Yesavage and Barthel scale4 were applied. In addition, some additional data were also obtained from the identification sheet. Data analysis The final information was processed with Excel and Minitab software, the data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics of frequencies, obtaining absolute and percentage distributions of the variable under study. For the relationship and significance of the variables level of depression and physical dependence, the variable correlation model (Spearman's Rho) was used, with a p <0.05. Results: Of the total sample (n= 40), 78% were female and 23% were male. 37.5% of the patients were classified as without depression and independent, 2.5% without depression with moderate dependence, 12.5% with mild depression and independent, 5% with depression and mild dependence, 15% with mild depression and moderate dependence, 10% with mild depression and severe dependence, 7.5% with mild depression and total dependence, and finally 5% for the categories of “severe and independent depression” and “severe depression and severe dependence”. In addition, a statistically significant correlation (p <0.05) was found with the following variables: economic dependency and health services, level of depression and health services and finally functional capacity and level of depression. Conclusion: Disability in the elderly encompasses functional deficiencies, limitations in activity and restrictions that transcend their autonomy, as well as the patient's own socialization; causing depression in the majority of this population. This is the reason why senile patients need to have close follow-up. In this study, it was demonstrated that the Barthel and Yesavage scale are useful tools for the assessment of depression and functionality. In addition, it was proven that there is a statistically significant correlation between the variables functional capacity and level of depression (p= 0.001).