The prevalence of depression and its associated factors among the geriatric age group living in the rural area of Wardha District Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In India, the percentage of adults over 60 years is rising. Depression is the most prevalent neuropsychiatric condition. People live longer, and households are smaller and crowded, creating stress. These issues influence the mental health of elderly persons and can cause depression. Depression poses a serious threat to public health, especially for senior citizens and inhibits cognitive function and decreases the quality of life.  The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of depression and evaluate its relationship with sociodemographic factors among older people.  Methods: Cross-sectional community research will be conducted in the Wardha district. The whole sample of elderly age groups will be examined using a semi-structured survey to identify the sociodemographic features and related risk factors for depression. Using a pre-tested survey called the short version of the Geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), the prevalence of depression in the geriatric age groups of both sexes will be assessed. Conclusions: Older people (those 60 years and older) play important roles in families and the workplace as volunteers. This study will help formulate policies that will inculcate old people to get an insight into how much mental health implications impact everyone, be it adolescents, middle-aged people, or old people. Its significance in public health will pave the road to include mental health screening of old people in non-governmental bodies like NGOs and other organizations like old age homes. Furthermore, the government should pay more attention to old-age depression in the current mental health program so that the burden of the disease can be overcome.