An Observational Study of Depression among Elderly Patients Attending Tertiary Care Hospital
Journal Title: Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 12
Abstract
Abstract: The elderly population is on the rise in India. Mood disorders particularly Depression are prevalent in this group and is considered as silent Epidemic. Several studies in India conducted in various set ups have given different results ranging from 11- 60%. Geriatric Depression Scale- short form is found to be an useful tool to screen particularly if used in local language. To identify prevalence of depression among older patients regularly attending the exclusive Geriatric Outpatient clinic of Government General Hospital Chennai- a tertiary care hospital and to find out the correlation of various sociodemographic factors and comorbid conditions with depression. 350 elderly patients were interviewed with a pre designed questionnaire in a calm environment. The selected participants were questioned about their educational status, socio economic status, living arrangement and whether economically dependent or independent. They were gently probed about possibility of abuse- if so by whom. The comorbidities were listed using their OP records of geriatric and other departments. All the participants were screened for depression using Geriatric Depression scale (short form) Tamil version. Based on the score were grouped in to not depressed / depressed. Among the 350 participants, 170 were males and 180 were females with the mean age being 67.7. The prevalence of depression was 64% and the proportion of moderate and severe depression was high. Low income, living alone, being dependent, experiencing emotional abuse and 2 or more comorbid conditions were found to be having statistically significant correlation. The prevalence of depression is high among elderly attending the exclusive geriatric outpatient clinic of our urban tertiary care hospital. There was significant correlation between chronic systemic diseases and depression. Physicians should keep it in mind and try to unfold and address the depression since they can affect the course of the disease.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. D. Thangam, Dr. GS Shanthi
Keywords
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