A study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding prevention of depression among elderly people in selected village of Moga, Punjab

The ageing process is of course a biological reality which has its own dynamic, largely beyond human control. Ageing is progressive and generalized impairment of functions resulting in loss of adaptive responses to stress and in increasing the age related diseases. Old age ideally represents a time of relaxation of social obligations, assisting with the family farm or business family farm or business without carrying the main responsibility, socializing, and receiving respectful care from family and esteem from the community. The prevalence rate of depression is around 60/1000 of population. High prevalence is seen in community setting.

To assess the knowledge regarding prevention of depression among elderly people in selected village of Moga.

A Quasi-experimental research approach was adopted to accomplish the objectives of the study. The property of control is missing in this study. The reliability of the structured knowledge questionnaire tool was done by test retest method and internal consistency was measured by spearman brown prophecy formula. A total of 60 samples were selected by using systematic random sampling technique in selected village of Moga, Punjab.

In pre test majority of elderly people (45%) had average knowledge score, (30%) had below average knowledge score and (25%) had good knowledge score while in post-test majority of elderly people (80%) had good knowledge score only (20%) had average knowledge score. The mean pre-test knowledge score was (17.25) and mean post-test knowledge score was (23.42). The difference between mean pre test and post test knowledge score was highly significant at p<0.001 level. The findings of the study signify that STP was effective in enhancing the knowledge of elderly people.

The knowledge of elderly people regarding prevention of depression was inadequate. Provision for education and awareness should be made to decrease the incidence of depression among elderly people.