Prevalence Of Geriatric Depression Research Articles

Depression and its Association with Insomnia among Geriatric Population of Selected Slums of Bankura Municipality, West Bengal

Background: While depression is a major health concern among older people, sleep disorders are also very common among them and often persist simultaneously. The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of depression and insomnia, and any correlation of association between them, in the geriatric people living in study area. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 186 older people living in three selected slums of Bankura Municipality, West Bengal, India. A pre-tested, structured interviewer-administered-questionnaire including Geriatric Depression Scale-Short form and Insomnia Severity Index were used for data collection. Results: The prevalence of geriatric depression and insomnia in the study setting were 54.3% and 37.6% respectively. While illiteracy, complete financial dependency and taking sedative were associated with geriatric depression, history of smoking was associated with insomnia among participants. Geriatric depression was significantly associated with insomnia. There was statistically significant positive correlation between GDS-S score and ISI score. Conclusions: A significant proportion of elderly population suffers from depressive disorders and sleep disorders. Early detection and management of these conditions will provide the society with healthy ‘senior citizens.

Prevalence of depression among Geriatric Population in a Rural Municipality of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Depression is a major public health concern among the elderly, affecting their quality of life and overall well-being. Despite the increasing elderly population in Nepal, data on the prevalence of depression in rural areas is limited. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of depression among the geriatric population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 60 years and above in three randomly selected wards of Shivapuri Rural Municipality. Respondents were selected using consecutive sampling. The Nepali version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was administered through face-to-face interviews. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number 080/81-437). Descriptive analysis was conducted for categorical variables using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: The overall prevalence of geriatric depression was 115 (28.75%; 95% CI: 24.36%-33.46%), with a mean depression score of 3.54 ± 3.17. Among those with depression, majority reported mild depression 79 (68.70%) reported mild depression, 79 (31.22%) were male, 88 (30.66%) were under 75 years of age, 46 (35.66%) self-rated their health as not good, 16 (32.66%) had COPD and 33 (30%) were hypertensive elderly.Conclusions: About one third of the elderly reported of having depression and more than 50% had mild depression. The depresson was more in age group less than 75 years, male, married and in nuclear family.

Relationship between Nutritional Status and Activities of Daily Living on Geriatric Depression among the Elderly Attending Primary Health Centers in Southern Karnataka

Abstract Introduction: The population of the planet is aging quickly. According to the World Health Organization, the percentage of elderly individuals above 60 years of age worldwide is predicted to be doubled, from 12% in 2015 to 22% by 2050. Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder among the elderly which has a larger influence on their physical and emotional well-being. It is important to recognize the unique physical and mental health issues experienced by older adults. Materials and Methods: A community-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly above 60 years of age attending two Primary Health Centres in the field practice areas of JSS Medical College, Mysuru. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 130 elderly people were selected. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics was administered, and a Geriatric Depression Scale (short form), Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale of the elderly, and Katz scale of independence were used. Statistical tests such as the Chi-square test and Spearman’s correlation test were used. Results: The prevalence of geriatric depression was 34.6%. Along with that, 5% were malnourished and 60% were at risk of malnutrition. The prevalence of physical dependency was 10%. Malnutrition and daily living activities were significantly associated with depression. Nutritional status and daily living activities show a negative correlation with geriatric depression and among them, nutritional status shows significant negative correlation with geriatric depression. Conclusion: Most of the elderly with poor nutritional status were depressed. Proper nutrition and adequate physical activity can cause a reduction in depression among the elderly.

Quality of Life and Geriatric Depression among Elderly Residents in Old Age Homes and Domestic Environments in Kerala.

Aging is a natural and essential part of human life. The Quality of Life (QoL) for the elders indicates their overall well-being and might be a risk factor for many conditions like geriatric depression. The study aims to compare older people living in domestic environments with those in Old Age Homes (OAH) to examine the variations in life quality and the prevalence of geriatric depression. The study followed a mixed-method approach and was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 includes a comprehensive understanding of QoL and geriatric depression that was established by an in-depth random data collection from 80 older adults aged between 60 and 90 years in Kerala, India, using the WHOQOL-BREF and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Data was then analyzed statistically by using an independent sample t-test, Karl Pearson's correlation, linear regression, and descriptive statistics. In Phase 2, by using semi-structured interviews, a random sample of eight people aged between 60 and 80 years was chosen from the Phase 1 pool which involved comparing and identifying the factors influencing geriatric depression and QoL in both living situations using thematic analysis. The findings show that there is a significant negative relationship between quality of life and geriatric depression among older individuals. The elders in old age homes reported a higher quality of life and lower geriatric depression. There were negligible gender differences. Physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors affect the quality of life and geriatric depression. The study also reveals that old age homes provide a better environment for elderly care compared to domestic environments, as they provide enhanced social support, structured caregiving, and better access to healthcare. This study thus paves the way for more compassionate approaches to elderly care and well-being.

The assessment of geriatric malnutrition, geriatric depression and associated co-morbidities among forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in Bangladesh.

To assess the nutritional status and depression of the elderly forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN) in Bangladesh and determine the associated factors of geriatric depression (GD). This was a community-based, cross-sectional study among elderly FDMN. The Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA@-SF) and Geriatric Depression Scale Short-Form (GDS-15 SF) were used to determine malnutrition and GD, respectively. The study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2022 in Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The study participants were elderly FDMN aged ≥ 60 years (n 430). The mean age and BMI were 71·7(±7·8) years and 21·94(±2·6) kg/m2, respectively. There was a high prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus (32·1 %), hypertension (26·7 %), hypotension (20 %), skin diseases (28·4 %) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (16·5 %). The prevalence of malnutrition was 25·3 %, and another 29·1 % were at risk. The prevalence of GD was 57·9 %, and co-occurrences of GD and malnutrition were seen in 17·5 % of participants. GD was significantly higher among elderly people with malnutrition (adjusted OR, AOR = 1·71, 95 % CI: 1·01, 2·89). FDMN aged ≥ 80 years were at higher risk of GD (AOR = 1·84, 95 % CI: 1·01, 3·37), and having fewer than five members in the household was an independent predictor of GD. Diabetes mellitus (AOR = 1·95, 95 % CI: 1·24, 3·08) and hypotension (AOR = 2·17, 95 % CI: 1·25, 2·78) were also significantly associated with an increased risk of GD. A high prevalence of GD and malnutrition was observed among elderly FDMN in Bangladesh. The agencies working in Cox's Bazar should focus on geriatric malnutrition and GD for the improvement of the health situation of FDMN in Bangladesh.

Geriatric Depression and Its Association with Geriatric Malnutrition: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hubballi, North Karnataka

Background: The world's elderly population is increasing rapidly. According to the 2011 census elderly population contributes to 7.4% of the total population. Both physical and mental disorders are prevalent among the elderly. Symptoms of depression in older people are often overlooked and untreated. Depression leads to loss of appetite, diminution of food intake, and weight loss consequently leading to malnutrition. Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the geriatric population of urban field practice area using a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire. Geriatric Depression was assessed using Geriatric Depression Scale and Nutritional Status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Scale. House to house survey of the Geriatric population was conducted after obtaining written consent. Results: Out of 260 participants, 51.5% of the population were males, 49.2% of the population belonged to 60-69 years age group and 16.9% of them were more than 80 years of age. The prevalence of geriatric depression was 68.5 %,). The majority (64%) of the elderly population were at risk of malnutrition. Depression scores were negatively correlated with nutritional scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and malnutrition was considerably high among the elderly population. Malnutrition among the elderly is a significant determinant of malnutrition.

Depression and quality of life among elderly: Comparative cross-sectional study between elderly in community and old age homes in Eastern India.

Depression among elderly is an emerging public health concern. Along with other comorbidities, depression affects the quality of life and functional ability of the geriatric population. This study aimed to assess the depression and quality of life among elderly and compare these parameters among the inhabitants of old age home and in the community. A cross-sectional study was conducted among the elderly of the community and old-age homes in the urban areas of Raipur, Chhattisgarh between March and July 2016. Hundred elderly (50 in each group) participated in the study. Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS-15) and Older People Quality of Life (OPQoL)-35 scale were used to assess the geriatric depression and quality of life, respectively. Association between depression and demographic variables were analyzed by Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between GDS-15 and OPQoL-35 scale. The prevalence of geriatric depression was 59%. Quality of life was better among the old-age home elderly participants than that of community elderly when compared for score of life over all (11.78 vs. 13.56), health (12.8 vs. 14.0), social relationship (10.48 vs. 13.9), control over life (11.92 vs. 14.08), home and neighborhoods (9.38 vs. 12.36), psychological and emotional wellbeing (10.96 vs. 13.7), financial circumstances (14.5 vs. 16.7), and leisure and activities (13.86 vs. 15.28). Moderate positive correlation was observed between depression and quality of life. The higher prevalence in our study emphasizes the need to delineate the actual burden in the elderly population and provide necessary supportive measures. It needs to be addressed adequately through a coordinated primary care approach and community and social support. Timely and adequate management of depression can improve the quality-of-life outcomes.

Higher prevalence of geriatric depression, catastrophizing pain and sleep disorders in institutionalized elders: a cross-sectional study in Galle District, Sri Lanka

BackgroundPopulation aging is a significant social problem in the twenty first century. Recent economic and social changes lead increasing number of elders to spend their lives in elderly homes. Institutionalized elders have to face many physical and psychological problems which negatively impact their quality of life. Geriatric depression (GD), catastrophizing pain (CP) and sleep disorders (SD) are some common problems among them.MethodsPresent study was designed to assess the prevalence of GD, CP and SD and their correlations in institutionalized elders. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in elderly homes (n = 20) in the Galle district of Sri Lanka enrolling 310 subjects. GD, CP and SD were assessed using validated Sinhala versions of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 for windows by using descriptive statistics, the Pearson’s chi-square test and Pearson’s bivariate correlation (p < 0.05).ResultsAmong the participants (response rate: 95.7%), 34.8% (n = 108) and 65.2% (n = 202) were males and females respectively. Age range of the subjects was 60–103 years with the mean age of 74.97 years (SD 8.852). Most of the study subjects (n = 234, 75.5%) had spent five or less than 5 years in elderly homes at the time of the study and 52.8% (n = 164) of them were unmarried. GD was present in 76.5% (95% CI: 71.7–81.2) of subjects and of them 44% had moderate to severe depression. PCS revealed that 29% (95% CI: 24.0–34.1) had CP. SD were identified in 55.5% (95% CI: 49.5–61.0) of elders and according to PSQI, 86% (95% CI: 82.3–90.0) had poor quality sleep. Positive correlations between GD and CP (r = 0.24, p < 0.01), GD and SD (r = 0.13, p = 0.02), CP and SD (r = 0.32, p < 0.01) were statistically significant.ConclusionsPrevalence of GD, CP and SD were significantly higher in this sample of institutionalized elders who were apparently healthy. Findings highlighted the importance of early screening of physical and psychological problems in institutionalized elders to assure better quality of life and to reduce the burden to health care system of the country.

Fluoxetine ameliorates depressive symptoms by regulating lncRNA expression in the mouse hippocampus.

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that is associated with aging and contributes to increased mortality and morbidity. The overall prevalence of geriatric depression with clinically significant symptoms is currently on the rise. Recent studies have demonstrated that altered expressions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the brain affect neurodevelopment and manifest modulating functions during the depression. However, most lncRNAs have not yet been studied. Herein, we analyzed the transcriptome of dysregulated lncRNAs to reveal their expressions in a mouse model exhibiting depressive-like behaviors, as well as their corresponding response following antidepressant fluoxetine treatment. A chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model was applied. A six-week fluoxetine intervention in CUMS-induced mice attenuated depressive-like behaviors. In addition, differential expression analysis of lncRNAs was performed following RNA-sequencing. A total of 282 lncRNAs (134 up-regulated and 148 down-regulated) were differentially expressed in CUMS-induced mice relative to non-stressed counterparts (P<0.05). Moreover, 370 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in CUMS-induced mice after fluoxetine intervention. Gene Ontology (GO) analyses showed an association between significantly dysregulated lncRNAs and protein binding, oxygen binding, and transport activity, while the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that these dysregulated lncRNAs might be involved in inflammatory response pathways. Fluoxetine effectively ameliorated the symptoms of depression in CUMS-induced mice by regulating the expression of lncRNAs in the hippocampus. The findings herein provide valuable insights into the potential mechanism underlying depression in elderly people.

Prevalence of Geriatric Depression and Associated Factors Among Elderly People in Family Medicine Clinic

Prevalence of Geriatric Depression and Associated Factors Among Elderly People in Family Medicine Clinic

Depression and associated factors among old age population in Dega damot district, North West Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study

• Depression is a common disorder in late life. • Older people with other chronic medical illnesses, retired ones’ and with those having poor social support have more risk for depression. • Usual screening of depression in older people should be considered. • Integration of mental health services with other clinical services should be considered by clinician and policy makers. Depression has been recognized as a significant problem associated with undesirable outcomes such as poor functioning, increased perception of poor health, increased utilization of medical services, increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression reduces medical costs and reduce caregiver burden. However, limited evidence was available on the prevalence of geriatric depression and its associated factors in Ethiopia. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among old ages in Dega Damot district, North West Ethiopia, 2019. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 01, 2019 to September 30, 2019. Fifteen items Geriatric depression scale was used to conduct a face-to-face interview with 813 old age people in selected areas of the district. EPI data version 3.1 software was used for data entry and SPSS version 23 for analysis. Variables with a P -value of less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were entered in to the multivariable analysis. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated and statistical significance was declared at P -values < 0.05. The prevalence of depression among elders was found to be 45.9% [95% CI: 42.3%-49.4%]. This study showed that being female [AOR = 2.40, 95% CI [1.60–3.59], (age>75 years [AOR=6.78, 95% CI 3.08–14.93], age 70–74 years. [AOR=4.64, 95% CI 2.60–8.30], age 65–69 years [AOR=1.80, CI 1.12–2.88]; divorced [AOR=4.31, CI [1.53–12.17], widowed [AOR=6.56, 95% CI 2.28–18.79]; retired [AOR = 4.83, 95% CI [2.23–10.43]; having chronic disease (AOR=5.39, CI [2.70–10.76] and poor social support [AOR=7.45, CI 4.22–13.16] and medium social support [AOR=3.67, CI 2.36–5.70] were significantly associated with depression. Variables like alcohol consumption, khat chewing, and other substances are a sensitive issue in the society and might cause social desirability bias. Fail to establish cause and effect relationships because of cross-sectional study design was used. Almost half of the elders were found to be depressed which is high in prevalence. Screening of depression should be emphasized among the geriatric population.

Comparison of depression among the elderly in a selected semiurban and rural community of Haryana, North India: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Depression in the elderly is one of the most common rising mental health problems worldwide. The prevalence of geriatric depression is relatively sparse as per the epidemiological studies conducted in the Indian setting. Aim: The present study compares the depression among the elderly in a selected semiurban and rural community of North India. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted among 400 elderly in a selected semiurban and rural community setting of North India. The participants were included as per the predetermined criteria using a convenient sampling method. Geriatric depression scale 15 Hindi version (GDS-15) was used for the assessment of depression. Results: The overall prevalence of geriatric depression (GDS-15 score >5) was found to be 10.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8–13.8). Of the 400 individuals, the proportion of the elderly who were at risk of developing depression was higher in the rural area (46.19%; 95% CI: 39.5–52.9) as compared to the semiurban area (22.1%; 95% CI: 16.79–28.53). The presence of chronic illness had an independent association with depression in the elderly residing in the rural setup (adjusted OR: 3.584; 95% CI: 1.399–9.178). Conclusion: The study showed a significantly higher burden of depression in rural geriatric population as compared to the semiurban setting. Considering the rapidly increasing population of older aged people in India, epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of depression form the mainstay for proper health planning.

Physical and Psychological Problems of the Elderly at an Aged Care Center

Introduction: As the world is aging, there is a growing interest in various morbidity patterns among the elderly population. This study aims to find out the physical and psychological problems among elderly people and to determine the factors associated with the problems. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 46 elderly people who were residents at the Aged Care Center in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Elderly aged 60-years and above were selected purposefully for the study. Physical disability, geriatric depression, cognitive impairment was assessed using the Barthel index, Geriatric depression scale, Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire respectively. The association between sociodemographic data and physical disability, depression and cognitive impairment were also evaluated by using bivariate analysis. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 73.3 ± 7.41 years and among them 52% were females. Among the participants, the prevalence of physical disabilities was 17.39% and the commonest problem was climbing the stairs. The Prevalence of cognitive impairment was 13.04% and the commonest impairment was found in memory recall. The Prevalence of geriatric depression was 32.6%. The prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment were higher among unmarried, illiterate and unemployed respondents. Overall physical and psychological impairment was higher in the age group 80 to 89 years and also in females. Conclusion: Increasing age, particularly those who belonged to age group 80-89 years were at significant risk for physical disability, depression and cognitive impairment.

Prevalence of geriatric depression in the Kavre district, Nepal: Findings from a cross sectional community survey

BackgroundThe increasing elderly population worldwide is likely to increase mental health problems such as geriatric depression, which has mostly been studied in high-income countries. Similar studies are scarce in low-and-middle-income-countries like Nepal.MethodsA cross-sectional, population-based, door-to-door survey was conducted in randomly selected rural and urban population clusters of the Kavre district, Nepal. Trained nurses (field interviewers) administered structured questionnaires that included a validated Nepali version of the Geriatric Depression Scale short form (GDS-15) for identifying geriatric depression among the elderly (≥60 years) participants (N = 460). Those scoring ≥6 on GDS-15 were considered depressed. Logistic regression analysis explored the associations of geriatric depression with regard to socio-demographic information, life style, family support and physical well-being.ResultsOf the total 460 selected elderly participants, 439 (95.4%) took part in the study. More than half of them were females (54.2%). The mean age was 70.9 (± 8.6) years. Approximately half (50.6%) were rural inhabitants, the majority (86.1%) were illiterate, and about three-fifths (60.1%) were living with their spouses. The gender-and-age adjusted prevalence of geriatric depression was 53.1%. Geriatric depression was significantly associated with rural habitation (AOR 1.6), illiteracy (AOR 2.1), limited time provided by families (AOR 1.8), and exposure to verbal and/or physical abuse (AOR 2.6).ConclusionGeriatric depression is highly prevalent in Kavre, Nepal. The findings call for urgent prioritization of delivery of elderly mental health care services in the country.

Aging in A Changing World – the Impact of Social Contact and Physical Activity on Health-Related Quality among Older People from Austria – A Biological Perspective

Background: All over the world we are confronted with an absolute and relative increase of the portion of elderly people. In order to develop strategies to keep old aged people healthy and as long as possible independent, analyses of factors influencing health related quality of life (HRQL) during old age are necessary. The aim of this review was the presentation of the results projects focusing on the impact of social contacts and physical activity on HRQL carried out in Austria Methods: The standardized WHOQOL BREF and the Geriatric depression scale was used to estimate HRQL and prevalence of geriatric depression in Austrian elderly. Physical fitness was estimated by hand grip strength, Sarcopenia and bone loss were determined by DEXA measurements. Results: A higher number of offspring, but first of all a higher face to face contact frequency increased HRQL and reduces geriatric depression. Sarcopenia and reduced bone density which might increase the risk of frailty syndrome were significantly interrelated. Conclusions: The ongoing change of life circumstances increases psychosocial problems such as loneliness and depression among old people who no longer live embedded in their families. Childlessness and reduced contact frequency have adverse consequences for health related quality of life during old age. This is also true of reduced physical activity in daily life, which increases the risk of sarcopenia and osteoporosis and may be invalidity during old age.

Proporsi kejadian depresi pada lansia di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Karangasem I, Bali-Indonesia

Introduction: Indonesia entered an ageing population era because the geriatrics percentage was above 7%. In 2015, Karangasem I Community Health Centre served 3015 geriatrics. The escalation of chronic disease visits at geriatric polyclinic indicated an increasing geriatrics health burden. Depression was one of the most frequent psychiatric problems on geriatrics. In the preliminary survey were found that 3, out of 10 geriatrics had depressive mood. This study aimed to found the proportion of depression among geriatrics and the possible factors associated at Karangasem I Community Health Centre Region.Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Pertima Village was randomly chosen and 73 samples were obtained using accidental sampling technique. Geriatric Depression Scale-15 was used to determine depression.Result: The result showed the proportion of depression was 67,1% with 57,1% was mild depression. The tendency of depression was found on several factors such as being female (67,4%), age category ≥80 years old (88,9%), unemployed (69,4%), uneducated (83,3%), widow/widower/single status (69,4%), living alone (76,9%), being the head of household (72,7%), having chronic disease (68%), and never participate on posyandu (100%).Conclusion: Prevalence of geriatric depression are quite high, sosial participation is needed to assist in preventing depression on geriatrics. Therefore, role of Community Health Centre was necessary on planning and holding more program and activities for elderly. Besides, it was necessary in improving the medical personnel skill on psychiatry for early detection and prompt treatment of depression among elderly.

Prevalence of geriatric depression and assessment of facilities available in old and #8209;age homes of Mysore: A comparative study between public and private homes

Background: In elderly mental disorders are overlooked or underdiagnosed. Almost 20% of elderly above 60 years of age suffer from a mental or neurological disorder, and the most common ones are dementia and depression. Studies have pointed out the increased prevalence of depression in old‑age homes. Objectives: The objectives are as follows: (1) To estimate and compare the prevalence of geriatric depression among people living in public and private old‑age homes and (2) to study the factors associated with depression and compare the facilities in public and private old‑age homes. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional questionnaire‑based study was conducted among geriatric population in old‑age homes of Mysore. Depression was assessed using the short form of geriatric depression scale‑15, cognitive impairment using Mini‑Mental State Examination‑30. Data relating to sociodemographic variables and facility assessment were collected separately. Results: The overall prevalence of depression in old‑age homes of Mysore was 33.3% (46.3% in public and 21.6% in private old‑age homes with P = 0.002). The facilities offered and reason for stay also varied significantly across both homes. Marital status, education, economical dependency, and uncorrected impairment were the factors associated with depression. Among the psychosocial factors, feeling of loneliness, and neglect were significant predictors in both settings. Other psychosocial factors such as feeling satisfied by the status of their children�s life, advice taken by their children, financial and personal losses in the past 1 year, and presence in social events were significant predictors only in private old‑age home. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression in the old‑age homes differs significantly with the type of home, the facilities offered, and the reason cited by the inmates for admission probably is the contributing factor for the variation in depression.

Prevalence of geriatric depression in a community sample in Ghana: Analysis of associated risk and protective factors

BackgroundAgeing comes with its own associated physical and psychosocial challenges. Depression is reported as one of the most prevalent psychopathology found among elderly people. However, there is dearth of literature in Ghana regarding mental health and its associated risk and protective factors among Ghanaians who are aged 65years and above. This study examined the prevalence and factors associated with depression among the aged in Ghana. MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was employed and a total of 262 elderly people (65+years) were sampled. The Geriatric Depression Scale, Brief COPE and demographic questionnaires were administered to the participants. ResultsThere was 37.8% prevalence of depression among the participants. Socio-demographic characteristics such as religion, living status and presence of chronic illness independently predicted depression among the participants. The use of religion, acceptance and active coping were the most commonly reported coping strategies among the participants while denial, behavioural disengagement and substance use were the least used coping strategies among the participants. The use of active coping predicted decreased depression levels whereas the use of behavioural disengagement and self-blame significantly predicted increased depression levels among the participants. ConclusionsDepression is a major challenge among the aged in this study and therefore, mental health screening should form part of the routine health screening practices for the elderly. The findings call for interventions aimed at promoting healthy ageing among the elderly in Ghana.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression among Indonesian elderly: A nursing home-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe burden of depressive elderly is high globally. However, nursing home-based studies on prevalence and risk factors of depression are scarce due to feasibility and difficulties in data collection. MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted at three nursing homes (NHs) in three districts in Yogyakarta province, Indonesia. A total of 181 elderly NH residents aged ≥60 were recruited purposively. Information regarding socio-demographics, health-related characteristics and social support among respondents were collected by a modified questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. A short form Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) Indonesian version was employed to assess levels of depression. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of geriatric depression was assessed to be at 42.5% (31.5% in women and 11% in men). Risk factors that were found to be significantly associated with depression in the univariate analysis were female, none or lack of social support, had ≥3 chronic diseases, and perceived inadequacy of care. In the multivariate analysis, perceived inadequacy of care remained significant risk factor for depression amongst the elderly NH residents. LimitationsBesides a number of important variables were determined by self-report, the used sampling technique was purposive. In addition, the elderly who had severe cognitive impairment or dementia and were not able to communicate meaningfully were excluded from this study. ConclusionsThe prevalence rates of depression were relatively high among elderly NH residents in our study area. Adequate health services are needed in order to reduce the risk of depression among elderly NH residents.

Geriatric Depression and its Correlates among South Indian Urbans.

Background:Geriatric depression is a growing global problem, expected to be the leading cause of mortality in the next decade. We attempted to explore the previously unidentified burden of depression and its correlates amongst South Indian elderly residing in an urban area.Methods:A cross sectional study including 100 community dwelling urban elders aged 60 years and older was conducted. A predesigned questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables, chronic health conditions, changes in vision and cognition, addictions, and medication usage. Depression was assessed using Geriatric Depression Scale. Other measurements included anthropometry and blood pressure. Logistic regression was done to identify the independently associated correlates of depression.Results:The prevalence of geriatric depression was 23%. 15.4% men and 31.2% women had depression. On logistic regression, the independent correlates of depression were living single (OR:4.26; 95% CI:1.06–17.09), poor self-rated health (OR:12.09; 95% CI:1.41–103.14), bedridden (OR:5.29; 95% CI:1.21–23.04) and osteoarthritis (OR: 4.91; 95% CI:1.39–17.28).Conclusion:The burden of depression in our urban geriatric population was moderate. Several correlates were positively associated. While addressing geriatric morbidity, screening for elderly depression, as well as exploration and management of related factors would be of significance.