Abstract
BackgroundDespite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low. Help-seeking behaviors are shaped by how an individual perceives and experiences their illness. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions.MethodsIn this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) from peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru. We included individuals with only depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10), only anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 16), with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and older adults who mentioned they had received mental health treatment/care. The interview guide included the following topics: perceptions and experiences about depression and anxiety; perceptions about the relationship between physical chronic diseases and mental health; experiences with mental health professionals and treatments, and coping mechanisms. Data collection was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019.ResultsWe interviewed 38 participants (23 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 67.9 years. Participants’ ideas and perceptions of depression and anxiety showed considerable overlap. Participants attributed depression and anxiety mainly to familial and financial problems, loneliness, loss of independence and past traumatic experiences. Coping strategies used by older adults included ‘self-reflection and adaptation’ to circumstances, ‘do your part’, and seeking ‘emotional support’ mainly from non-professionals (relatives, friends, acquaintances, and religion).ConclusionsIllness experiences of depression and anxiety set the pathway for tailored community-based mental health interventions for older adults. Overlapping narratives and perceptions of depression and anxiety suggest that these conditions should be addressed together. Mental health interventions should incorporate addressing areas related to depression and anxiety such as prevention of loss of independence, trauma, and loneliness. Good acceptability of receiving emotional support for non-professionals might offer an opportunity to incorporate them when delivering mental health care to older adults.
Highlights
Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low
Two-thirds of the world’s older adults live in low and middle income countries (LMICs), where the population 60 years of age and older is growing at a faster rate than in high-income countries [1]
Individuals were screened for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and simultaneously, trained fieldworkers administered several health questionnaires, included the Spanish validated versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to assess depression and anxiety symptoms [20, 21]
Summary
Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions. Societies and health systems in LMICs face challenges to adapting and promoting wellbeing in aging populations Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are associated with poor quality of life in older adults; yet, these two conditions are often neglected, under-diagnosed, and inadequately treated [2,3,4]. Given the high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and low use of mental health services, development of appropriate, community-based, scalable strategies to provide quality care for older people are critical for promoting the wellbeing of older populations [8]
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
