Geriatric Depression: A Comparative Study between the Elder Population at Old Age Home and in their Own Home

Abstract

Background: Geriatric depression is one of the major causes of Morbidity and Disability Adjusted Life
Years (DALYs). It is often under diagnosed. The trend now being changed from a joint family setup to that
of nuclear family have cost many elderlies their homes and secure support structure, thereby affecting their
mental health.
Objectives : To assess the prevalence of geriatric depression in Hubli-Dharwad district. To compare the
same among the elderly population living with their family, in their homes with those who were living in
old-age care facilities.
Methods: A comparative study was conducted among 170 elderly people aged ?60 years selected from old
age homes and surrounding areas of KIMS Hubli from 6th May to 5th June 2012. Geriatric Depression Scale
(GDS) was used and Direct questionnaire method was adopted to collect the data from the study participants
with the verbal informed consent.
Results: Out of 170 people surveyed, 49.5% of them were either mildly or severely depressed, with the
depression being higher in females than males. And old age home people are found to be more depressed
than those in their own homes.
Conclusion: Nearly half of the study population showed the signs of depression, where education and socioeconomic status of the individuals affected the depression level to a significant extent