Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: January | Volume: 12 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 188-194
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20220125
Prevalence of Geriatric Depression and Associated Factors in Kalika Rural Municipality of Rasuwa District, Nepal
Rajesh Karki1, Bibek Paudel1, Anil Chaudhary1, Ramesh Bhatta1, Sanjaya Kumar Shah1, Josana Khanal1
1Department of Public Health, Yeti Health Science Academy, Kathmandu, Nepal
Corresponding Author: Rajesh Karki
ABSTRACT
Background: Geriatric depression, which has primarily been studied in high-income nations, is anticipated to become more prevalent as the world's old population grows. In low- and middle-income nations like Nepal, similar studies are rare.
Objectives: This aimed to determine the prevalence of geriatric depression and its associated factors in 60 years and above age group of both sexes.
Setting and Design: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Kalika rural municipality of Rasuwa district, Nepal.
Methods and materials: Face to face interview technique and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to collect information from 305 respondents aged above 60 years which was the required sample size of the study. Simple random technique was used for the selection of respondents.
Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test at 5% level of significance was used to identify association between socio-demographic, individual, contextual factors with geriatric depression.
Results: A total of 305 elderly people were participated in this study. The mean age was 70.91(±9.165) years. Overall prevalence of depression was 31.1%. Study also found that geriatric depression was significantly associated with living with children, family type, working status, family income, chronic illness, physical capabilities, involving in social activities, worried of being elderly, feeling of stress about life, family support, communication with family member and vital role in decision making (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Geriatric depression was prevalent in kalika rural municipality. Based on these identified variables, current health programs should focus on addressing these challenges.
Key words: Geriatric depression, community based cross-sectional study, Geriatric Depression Scale, prevalence.