Abstract
BackgroundDepressive symptoms (DS) are a well-recognized public health problem across the world. There is limited evidence with regard to DS and its associates, such as socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic conditions in low-income countries like Nepal. In this study, we aimed to assess the level of DS and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic disease conditions among community dwelling older people in Nepal.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 794 older adults aged 60 or above residing in the rural setting of the Sunsari and Morang districts of eastern Nepal between January and April 2018. Multi-stage cluster sampling was adopted to select the study participants. Data included socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, self-reported chronic disease conditions and the Geriatric depression scale. On Geriatric depression scale, an older adult with a test score greater than five were defined as having depressive symptoms. Determinants of DS were estimated through the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach by considering exchangeable correlation structure among clusters.ResultsIn our study samples, nearly 55.8% of the older adults were found to be suffering from DS. We found a significant association between DS and being female (aOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.89–2.09), Buddhism (aOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.58–2.42), Dalits (aOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.19–5.65), unemployed, low family income (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07–2.92), smokers (aOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01–2.20) and having chronic multi-morbid conditions (aOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.09–2.55).ConclusionsThe prevalence of DS was high among community-dwelling older adults in eastern Nepal. Our findings suggest the need for mental health prevention and management programs targeting the older population in rural Nepal.
Highlights
Depressive symptoms (DS) are a well-recognized public health problem across the world
Background characteristics A total of 794 people aged 60 years or above participated in the study with a mean age of 69.9 years, where 55.4% of the participants were aged between 60 and 69 years and 15% aged 80 years or above
38% of the participants were of Indigenous origin, and nearly 20% were Dalit
Summary
Depressive symptoms (DS) are a well-recognized public health problem across the world. There is limited evidence with regard to DS and its associates, such as socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic conditions in low-income countries like Nepal. We aimed to assess the level of DS and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors and chronic disease conditions among community dwelling older people in Nepal. Depressive symptoms (DS) are a well-recognized public health problem throughout the globe, and older adults are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms (DS) [1]. Mental health among older adults has not been a priority area in many low-income countries [3]. Symptoms of depression are not usually recognized by families, caregivers or by older adults themselves because of a lack of understanding of the condition, shame or denial that these conditions need medical care and a perception that DS are incurable in Nepal
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
