Depression and its associated factors among elderly patients attending rural primary health care setting

Abstract

Background: Depression is a growing public health challenge in India due to increase in the population of elderly and drastic changes in the socio-cultural environment. There is a dearth of information regarding depression among elderly patients attending primary health care setting in rural India. Hence present study was undertaken.Methods:Data was collected from seventy five elderly patients attending a preventive geriatric clinic in a rural health training centre with the help of pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire by employing interviewer administered method. In the clinic, elderly patients were screened for cognitive impairment by using translated version of abbreviated mental test (AMT) scale. Data on socio-demographic characteristics were collected. Anthropometric measurements such as standing height, weight and waist circumference were taken as per standard guidelines. Depression was assessed by validated geriatric depression scale (GDS-15) (Kannada version). Subsequently, the standard of living index and housing conditions were assessed by visiting the houses of the elderly patients.Results: The proportion of depression among elderly was found to be 32%. Depression was found to be statistically associated with illiteracy (P<0.05, OR=4.6) and lack of separate living room in the house (P= 0.01, OR= 3.5) and not associated with obesity.Conclusions:Around one third elderly patients attending the primary health care setting were found to be suffering from depression. The illiteracy and lack of separate living room for elderly in the house were associated with depression, which call for further in-depth research.