Factors Associated with Depression among Elderly People Living In Old Aged Homes of Pokhara, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Depression is an important public health challenge in developing countries. Old people have a much higher risk of suicide then the general populations and are suffered from depression. In this context, this study aims to find the factors associated with depression among elderly people living in old aged homes in Pokhara. Methods: Three major elderly homes of Pokhara were selected purposively. Then information was collected from all the elderly people living in these old aged homes. Geriatric Depression Scale was used to find the depression level of the elderly people. Chi-squared test was applied to find the factors associated with degree of depression among these elderly people. Results: Majority of the elderly people were suffered from depression (80.7%). Female were highly suffered from depression with respect to male. Age, sex, marital status, and previous occupation of the respondents have significant association with degree of depression. Further, there was significant association between degree of depression and the activities for entertainment in elderly homes. Conclusions: Age, sex, marital status, previous occupation, and activities for entertainment in elderly homes were the major factors associated with degree of depression. The concerned organization and other authorities should give attention regarding the more entertainment activities for elderly people.