Depression loneliness and self-esteem of the elderly in Bangkae Home and private homes for the aged in Bangkok.

Abstract

Background : Depression, loneliness and low self-esteem are important problems in the elderly who live in institution or private home for the aged. However, depression, loneliness and low self-esteem have not been studied in Thailand.

Objective : To investigate the prevalence of depression and identify factors associated with depression and to examine correlation between depression, loneliness and self-esteem of the elderly in Bangkae Home and private home for the aged.

Design : Cross-sectional descriptive study

Setting : Bangkae Home 1 under the Public Welfare Department, Bangkae Home 2 under Bangkok Metropolitan and 5 private homes for the aged in Bangkok.

Materials and Method : Data were collected from 295 elderly using self-report questionnaire; Thai Geriatric Depression Scale (TGDS), Loneliness Scale and Self-esteem Scale. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS program version 17 to determine percentage, means, standard deviations, Chi-square test, t-test, correlation and logistic regressions to predict factors associated with depression in the elderly.

Result : There were 295 persons recruited in this study with mean age of 78.43 (± 8.3) years old, and most of them were female (70%). The prevalence of depression of the subjects was 57.3 %. Factors associated with depression were female, widowed or single, no education, no income, no family visits, poor elationship with family member and care giver,dissatisfied with residence and attention of care giver, less participation in vocational therapy and health service. There were significant correlations between TGDs score, loneliness score (r = 0.744; p <0.001) and self-esteem score (r = – 0.761; p <0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed and found that predictive factors of depression were no education, no family visitors, low satisfaction level with residence and moderate to high level of loneliness.

Conclusion : This study was found the prevalence of depression (about 50%) and associated factors. Detection and treatment of depression and also providing psychosocial support including decrease loneliness, improve self-esteem and satisfaction with residence will help for mental health in the elderly living in the home for the aged.