1Post graduate, Dept. of Community Medicine, J. N. Medical College, KLE University, Nehrunagar, Belagavi, Karnataka
2Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, J. N. Medical College, KLE University, Nehrunagar, Belagavi, Karnataka
3Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, J. N. Medical College, KLE University, Nehrunagar, Belagavi, Karnataka
4Assistant Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, J. N. Medical College, KLE University, Nehrunagar, Belagavi, Karnataka
Online published on 14 October, 2016.
Depression in elderly is often overlooked as a clinical diagnosis, since it is assumed to be a normal response to ageing. In India, its prevalence ranges from 11 to 32% and is found to be significantly higher than the rest of the world. Earlier recognition of depression and its risk factors can reduce the morbidity and improve the quality of life. Hence this study was undertaken to assess the utility of Geriatric Depression Scale-15 to detect depression and its associated risk factors among elderly.
A cross sectional study, conducted from January to December 2014 among 850 adults aged 60 years and above residing in Ashok Nagar area, Belagavi. Data was collected by house to house visit using a predesigned questionnaire, which included socio-demographic details and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-Short Form).
The prevalence of depression using Geriatric Depression Scale-15 was found to be 36.7%, with a higher preponderance in women than men (40.8% vs 32.3%). Advancing age, disrupted marital status, lower socio economic status and sedentary lifestyle were significantly associated with depression (p<0.05).
Our study demonstrated a significant higher prevalence of depression and identified its risk factors in urban population of South India. Steps needs to be taken at the earliest to reduce the suffering and improve the quality of life among elderly.
Geriatric Depression Scale, Depression, Risk factors, Elderly
