Prevalence and Associated Factors of Geriatric Depression in Urban Primary Care
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Abstract
Background: The most common mental health issue among the elderly is depression. Due to the atypical symptoms in older adults, depression may be overlooked or mistaken for a normal part of aging. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression in the elderly and investigate its risk factors. With the hope of enhancing patient identification, treatment referral, and continued community monitoring of geriatric depression.
Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study
Methods: The study was conducted on 554 people aged 60 years and above at the urban Primary Care Unit, from August 2023 to April 2024. Participants underwent individual interviews with researchers using the Thai Geriatric Depression Scale-15 to assess depression, and examined factors associated with depression through health and lifestyle questionnaires and the six-item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: In a sample of 554 elderly people, the prevalence of geriatric depression was 12.8% (95% confidence interval 0.1001-0.1617). Statistically significant factors associated with geriatric depression included diabetic mellitus, inadequate income, insomnia, and feelings of loneliness.
Conclusion: The prevalence of geriatric depression in urban areas is high and associated with factors related to physical health, mental well-being, and social conditions. Awareness, screening, referral of patients, and the development of a comprehensive elderly care system will facilitate patient access to treatment and may reduce the incidence of geriatric depression.
Keywords: geriatric depression, depression, loneliness, elderly, primary care
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