Prevalence, modifiable and risk factors of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS) among elders in the northwest of Iran

Abstract

Background Depression, anxiety, and stress are among the most common mental health disorders of the elderly that affect the health of individuals and society. Considering the growing trend of the elderly population in Iran, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of these disorders and to identify the factors affecting them in the elderly. Methods We conducted this cross-sectional study on 301 elderly people referred to Qazvin health centers. Data was collected using the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) questionnaire and analyzed through univariate and multivariate linear regression tests with the interaction between variables in STATA Version 14 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was significant. Results The prevalence of depression was 45.5%, anxiety 35.5%, and stress 40.2%. 22.9%, 7.9%, and 14.3% of people had severe and very severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The variables of age, comorbidity, life status and job status had a significant relationship with the DASS score (p < 0.05). There was an interaction between the variables of comorbidity and income status influencing the DASS score (β = 0.68, 95% CI 0.15, 1.22). Conclusion The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in the elderly was high, indicating the inappropriate status of their mental health. Because of the interaction between comorbidity and the income status of the elderly, significant changes in lifestyle, and weakening the support structure of families for the elderly, it is necessary to plan and pay more attention to the needs and problems of these people.

Prevalence of COVID‐19 anxiety, geriatric anxiety, and related factors among the elderly in Quchan, Iran during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a cross‐sectional study

“…The results revealed a high prevalence of geriatric anxiety at 40.3% and COVID‐19 anxiety at 22.8%. These findings are consistent with the study by Raeisvandi et al ., which reported a similar prevalence of anxiety in the elderly at 35.5% 10 . However, Fakhri's study (2023) and Azizabadi's study (2022) found lower prevalence rates of anxiety in the elderly at 16.7% and 7%, respectively 17,18 .…”

“…The findings of this study demonstrate that comorbidity contributes to increased anxiety among the elderly, which is in line with the results of previous research by Lu L et al ., Raeisvandi et al ., Cho et al ., and Wang et al 10,39–41 . The elderly participants in Zhang's study (2023) had an average of 4.1 diseases, with one‐fifth of them experiencing six or more concurrent illnesses.…”

“…Previous studies have reported an increase in anxiety among older adults and a high incidence of COVID‐19 anxiety in the elderly following the outbreak 7–9 . Advanced age is associated with various diseases and disorders, including mental health conditions, with anxiety being one of the most prevalent 10 . Anxiety significantly affects the lives of the elderly, reducing their quality of life, 11 increasing the risk of developing dementia 12 and cardiovascular diseases, 13 and impairing cognitive function, overall functioning, and sleep patterns 14 …”

“…Another study identified a relationship between experienced and perceived inequality in women with anxiety 16 . Anxiety prevalence in the elderly has varied from 7% to 35.5% in different studies 10,17–20 . Factors such as age, comorbidity, living conditions, and occupation have been found to be associated with anxiety 10 …”

“…Anxiety prevalence in the elderly has varied from 7% to 35.5% in different studies 10,17–20 . Factors such as age, comorbidity, living conditions, and occupation have been found to be associated with anxiety 10 …”