JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: Growing old is an intrinsic phenomenon. Communicable diseases are under control and non-communicable diseases are increasing. Depression is a common mental health disorder in elderly. Depression can cause great suffering and impaired functioning in daily life. Aim: study are to find the prevalence and factors influencing depression among rural elderly study partici-pants. Methods: It is a Community based, Cross sectional analytical study design carried out for a period of 6 months among elderly persons aged 60 years and above residing in the rural field practice area of SDUMC, Kolar. Bed ridden participants, those with mental health issues were excluded. Data collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaire and Depression assessed by GDS-15 Chi-square applied to test association with p value significance defined lesser than 0.05. Results: Out of 286 study participants, 111(38.8 %) belonged to Keeloholali, 154(53.8%) were female partici-pants, 118(41.3%) were unemployed, 244(85.3%) were illiterates, 7.3% had diabetes, 11.5% had visual impair-ment, 121(42.3%) belonged to nuclear family and 195(68.2%) were married. 228(79.7%) of study participants had one or other type of depression. Conclusion: Depression among elderly is increasing and many times it is unaddressed. To better the quality of life and increase the life expectancy among elderly, early diagnosis of mental illness plays a crucial role.

Key-words: Depression, elderly, risk factors