Prevalence and risk factors of depression among elderly population in a rural area
Journal Title: Perspectives In Medical Research - Year 2013, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: The community-based mental health studies in India have estimated the prevalence of depressive disorders among elderly population between 13% and 25%. Despite of the widespread belief that depression in elderly in India is less compared with west by virtue of family structure and socio-cultural factors, studies have shown a reverse trend. Female gender, poor health status, prior depression, poor self-perceived health are some of the significant risk factors for depression among the elderly as identified by meta- analysis. Hence the present study aims to find out the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among elderly in rural area. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in rural health training center, Vutoor, Karimnagar during November- December 2012. A semi-structured questionnaire assessing the sociodemographic characteristics and various risk factors for depression was administered to 190 participants. Depression among the elderly was assessed by patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Statistical measures obtained were proportions, mean, standard deviation and multiple linear regression. Please cite this article as : Bodhare TN, Kaushal V, Venkatesh K, Anil Kumar M. Prevalence and risk factors of depression among elderly population in a rural area. Perspectives in medical research 2013; 1: 11-15 Source of Support : Nil, Conflict of Interest : None Declared. Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.62 ± 5.47 with the age range of 60 to 89 years. Males accounted for 121 (63.7%) of the total sample and 135 (71.1 %) belonged to the lower socioeconomic class. Of the total sample 30 (15.8%) met the criteria for major depression and 55 (28.9%) met the criteria for minor depression. In the context of the severity of depression 34 (17.9%) scored for moderate depression, 27 (14.2%) for moderately severe depression and 2 (1.1%) for severe depression. Among the various risk factors, socioeconomic status (p = 0.018), past history of depression (p = 0.019), perceived poor health status (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: High prevalence of depression observed among the studied population warrants an immediate attention. Perceived poor health status and past history of depression are significant risk factors for depression. There is a need of screening and effective intervention strategies for early detection and treatment among this vulnerable population.
Authors and Affiliations
Trupti N Bodhare
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP293924
- DOI -
- Views 153
- Downloads 0
Hypertension : an insight
The history of hypertension goes back a long way. In ancient Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the quality of an individual’s pulse felt by gentle palpation was a window into the condition of the cardiovascular syst...
Clinical study of Benign breast diseases
Introduction: Benign lesions of breast are numerous in population and it has different presentations, clinical features, age distribution etc. Its understanding plays an important role in its management and differentiati...
ST elevation Myocardial infarction in the young - A clinical and Angiographic profile
Introduction: An increasing number of young adults are presenting with ST elevated Myocardial Infarction(STEMI).With urbanization, emerging economy, and a growing middle class adopting western diet, the prevalence of ris...
Nevus Lipomatosus Cutaneous Superficialis
Introduction: Nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis (NLCS) is an uncommon benign hamartomatous skin lesion defined by the presence of aggregates of mature adipose tissue among the collagen bundles of dermis. It was f...
Physician Heal Thyself: Perspectives on Burnout among Doctors
Introduction: Medical professionals are passing through turbulent times. Doctors today face many challenges. Fierce competition to get into medical school and subsequently into postgraduate courses, financial burden due...