Depression and Its Predictors Among Elderly Population in an Urban Community in Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Depression is commonly encountered in elderly population. The symptoms associated with depression are likely to be dismissed as 'normal' by self as well as family caregivers. Other than organic causes, social factors play a significant role in development of depression. In many primary care settings, patients presenting with depression often do not get diagnosed. Objectives: To assess the burden of depression and its association with socio demographic predictors among elderly population in a selected urban community in Puducherry. Material and Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 150 randomly selected elderly persons in the urban service areas of a medical college. Socio demographic details, activities of daily living, family care and social interaction particulars were collected. Geriatric Depression Scale-15 screening questionnaire was used to assess depression. Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.8+7.2 years. Two-thirds participants (70.3%) reported good family care. About half (52.4%) of the participants had good social interaction and 38.6% had depression. More women (48.6%) reported depression than men (28.2%). Female gender, living alone, poor family care, dependency in activities of daily living, perceived burden and less social interaction were significantly (p<0.05) associated with depression. Conclusion: Community screening of elderly for depression can be a made a routine practice in primary health care settings. Risk factors could be identified and alleviated to improve the quality of life of the elderly.