Depression and associated psychosocial factors of the elderly at the elderly associate of Public Health Center 48 Nakwatchara-utid.

Abstract

Background : Depression is one of the most common psychiatric conditions in the elderly. Its associated psychosocial factors include life-stress events, social support, and community participation. This study is aimed to find out depression and psychosocial factors to help to understand depression and promote mental health in the elderly.

Objective : To study the prevalence of depression and associated psychosocial factors.

Design : A cross – sectional descriptive study.

Setting : The Elderly Associate of Public Health Center 48 Nakwatcharautid, Bangkok.

Materials and Methods : Two hundred and forty elderly at the Elderly Associate of Public Health Center 48 Nakwatchara-utid were recruited into this study. They completed five self-report questionnaires: 1) Demographic data form; 2) Thai Geriatric Depression Scale – TGDS; 3) 1 – Year Life Event Questionnaire; 4) Social Support Questionnaire, and 5) Community Participation of Elderly Questionnaire. The prevalence of depression was presented by proportion and percentage. The associated psychosocial factors were analyzed by chi-square test. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of depression of the elderly at the Elderly Associate of Public Health Center 48 Nakwatchara-utid

Results : The prevalence of depression was 15.4%. There were six factors associated significant from marital status, unaffordable economic status, history of psychiatric disorders, severe life-stress events, low level of social support, and low level of community participation. Logistic regression showed four factors that the remaining predictors of depression were being single/widowed/divorce/ separated, history of psychiatric disorders, severe life stress event, and low level of community participation.

Conclusion : The prevalence of depression in this study was comparable with previous studies. Promoting the elderly to participate in community such as being member of the elderly associate should help reduce depression in the elderly.