To determine the prevalence and predictors of depression among elderly population at selected community in Chennai

Agingis a natural process thatbegins with conception, butinpractice, itis regarded as a phase in life when body function begins to decline. Depressive disorders are one of the common psychiatric ailments seen in elderly population. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 prevalence of depressive disorders among elderly is 10 to 20%.

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and predictorsofdepressionamongelderlypopulationatselected community in Chennai.

The study was conducted using the descriptive correlational research design, among 130 elderly population residing in Keel Ayanambakkam. Data was collected after obtaining permission from Principal, HOD of Mental Health and Community Health Nursing Department & Head of Research & Development-of Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai. Elderly population was identified by the researchers based on the eligibility criteria, through doorto-door survey and interacting with them. Data was collected using pretested tools such as demographic variables Performa, health variables Performa and Geriatric Depression Scale through face to face interview method at the residence of the elderly population. Data was analyzed according to the objectives and hypotheses of the study using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The mean and standard deviation of Geriatric Depression Scale is mean= 6.60, SD=2.81 for no depression, mild depression it is 14.37, SD=1.83 and for severe depression it is 19.96 SD=1.5There was no significant association between the selected demographic variables such as age in years and gender at p>0.05.

Depression is highly prevalent among the elderly population and depression is common among females. Nurses play vital role in planning for strategies to combat depression, promote wellbeing, mental health and quality of life among elderly population.