Urban-rural comparison of depression among the elderly population: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The elderly population comprises a vulnerable age group owing to multiple health problems such as depression. Objective: To establish the differences in the prevalence and determinants of depression among urban and rural elderly residents. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out for 6 months in the urban and rural field practice areas attached to a tertiary-care hospital. The respondents were individuals aged ≥ 60 years, who agreed to voluntarily participate in the study. A pre-designed and semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the information. Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression. Result: The prevalence of depression was found to be 27.71% and 24.46% among the urban and rural elderly population, respectively. Depression was significantly higher among female subjects (X2 = 3.271, df = 1, p < 0.0001) and those aged ≥ 80 years (X2 = 35.36, df = 2, p < 0.0001). Low socioeconomic status was another predictor (X2 = 55.89, df = 1, p < 0.0001). A high prevalence of depression was reported among those who were physically inactive (32.37%) and experiencing chronic diseases (32.37%). As far as the determinants of depression were concerned, no significant difference was found in the urban and rural areas. Conclusion: Thus, urban–rural differences in depression among elderly population were not observed. However, considering the high prevalence of depression reported in this study, screening for depression among elderly population to facilitate the successful implementation of intervention programs is imperative.