The prevalence and predictors of depression and disability in older adults and elderly patients with Diabetes in India: Cross-sectional analysis from the Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Abstract

AimDepression is associated with multiple comorbidities, such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM), especially in the geriatric population. Elderly patients having depression-DM comorbidity are more likely to experience disabilities in daily activities (IADL/ADL). The study objective was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression in elderly patients with DM in India and also report the prevalence of IADL/ADL (Activities of daily living/Instrumental activities of daily living) disabilities in depressed and non-depressed subgroups of patients with DM. MethodsWe analyzed the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) survey (2017–2018), focusing on individuals aged 45 years and older after excluding those with cognitive impairment. The effective sample size for this study was 66,606. ResultsFindings indicate that 15.48% of participants had depression while 12.96% (95% CI: 11.04, 15.17) were comorbid for depression and DM. Amongst patients with DM, the prevalence of depression comorbidity was 19.89% (95% CI:16.92, 23.24). On adjusted analysis among patients with DM, urban residence compared to rural, and the availability of financial support was protective against the onset of depression while multimorbidity was a risk factor. ConclusionsDepressive symptoms in the elderly especially with DM comorbidity are linked to a high burden of poor ADL and IADL. Sensitization of the community towards providing support to the elderly and early screening for IADL/ADL disabilities in depression-DM comorbid patients should be prioritized.