Study on the social support and depression of the elderly in nursing institutions

Abstract

Objective To discuss the status quo of social support and depression of the elderly in nursing institutions, and to explore the correlation between social support and depression. Methods A total of 164 old people at a nursing home in Tianjin were investigated by Social Rate Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and General Information Questionnaire. Results The score of depression of the elderly in nursing institutions was (17.00±7.00), the total score of social support was(28.42±7.26). The score of the three dimensions were respectively: the objective support (6.00±3.00)points, the subjective support(16.82±3.70)points, and the utilization degree of support(8.00±5.00) points. The score of social support of the elderly pension institutions was significantly lower than that of the domestic norm's (34.56±3.73) points.Score of depression was negatively correlated with the total score of Social Support Rate Scale(P<0.05). Conclusion Depression was a common psychological problem for the elderly in nursing institutions.Staff in the nursing institution should pay attention to the psychological health of the elderly, and improve the social support for the elderly and reduce the incidence of depression of the elderly. Key words: The elderly; Social support; Depression; Nursing institution