Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July | Volume: 6 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 583-587
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression among the Elderly Population in Urban Field Practice Area of Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar
Vishal Prasad1, Akhil Bandhu Biswas2
1Junior Resident, Dept. of Community Medicine, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar.
2Professor& Head, Dept. of Community Medicine, Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar.
Corresponding Author: Vishal Prasad
ABSTRACT
Background: Depression among the elderly population is a serious problem with significant morbidity and mortality. It is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among the elderly nowadays.
The objective of this study to assess the prevalence of depression and to identify the associated risk factors of depression among the elderly population in the urban field practice area of Katihar Medical College, Katihar, Bihar.
Materials& Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2018 to August 2018 in the urban field practice area of Katihar Medical College, Bihar. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire assessing the socio-demographic characteristics and various risk factors for depression was administered to 518 participants after obtaining written informed consent. Depression was assessed using the 15 items Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15).Data were analyzed using Epi info -7.
Results: The overall prevalence of depression among the elderly population under study was found to be 41.3%.It was significantly higher among Female (47.7%), in the age group 76-80 years (42.1%), in Unmarried/divorced/separated (65.2%), in Joint family (45.2%) and in socio-economic class-V(52.7%).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression observed among the study population required attention. There is a need for screening and implementation of effective intervention and treatment of depression among the vulnerable population.
Key words: Depression, elderly population, urban
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