Functional assessment and depression among geriatric population of rural Patancheru: A community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Indian aged population is currently the second largest globally. The proportion of 60 years and above population in India is 8%. It is growing faster than any other age group. However, it also challenges society to adapt, in order to maximize the health and functional capacity of older people as well as their social participation and security. Objective: The objective was to study functional assessment and depression among rural geriatric population. Materials and Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study among 1020 persons aged >60 from eight villages of three subcenters. Functional assessment was done using the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL). Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: 81.6% belonged to 60–75 years. Females were almost double compared to males. Majority (65.4%) were having normal body mass index. Majority 759 (74.41%) have no disturbance in sleep pattern. Majority 867 (85%) were functionally independent according to Katz ADL. Majority 745 (73.04%) were partially dependent according to the Lawton IADL. Majority of the respondents 954 (93.53%) were with no depression according to GDS. Sleep disturbance was seen highest in the age group of 60–75 years, and it reduced significantly as the age increased by a decade to 16.09%–7.3% in those aged 85 years and more (P < 0.05). Among study participants with disturbed sleep, majority 176 (67.43%) were alcoholics (P < 0.05). There is an association between ADL and depression (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority were functionally independent. Majority were partially dependent, Lawton IADL. Majority were with no depression according to GDS.