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Original Article - Abstract

Prevalence and risk factors of depression among elderly population in a rural area

Trupti N. Bodhare,a Vikas Kaushal,b K. Venkatesh,b M. Anil Kumarb

aAssociate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, bPostgraduate student, Department of Community Medicine, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Address for correspondence Dr. Trupti N Bodhare, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh, India.

E-mail: drtruptibodhare@yahoo.com

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.

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.

Key words:Depression, Elderly population, Risk Factors.

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