Background: Ageing has a major impact on mental health. The prevalence of mental disorders can actually increase with age. Previous studies have demonstrated that among elderly the prevalence of mental disorders is high, with almost 20% in elderly aged 65 years and older. It was recently reported that almost one-third of people aged 95 years fulfilled criteria for a psychiatric disorder: Materials & Methods: The study was conducted at a primary health care centre located in rural area. Data was collected from elderly patients attending a primary health care center in a rural area & were screened for cognitive impairment by using mini mental state examination (MMSE). Patients who had MMSE score more than 24 were studied. Then socio-demographic data sheet a semi-structured Performa was applied followed by geriatric depression scale (GDS). Results: Majority of our sample showed moderate followed by mild level of depression. However 8 cases were found having severe depression. Majority of our participated patients abused nicotine (including smoked and/or smokeless tobacco) i,e. 51.85% (42.6%+9.3%). our study reported the significant family history of psychiatry illness in the sample. Majority of the sample belonged to the age group of 60-65 years of age with having more female participants and were married. Most of the participants were unemployed and were dependent on others for their needs. Conclusion: Depression in elderly is frequently under-diagnosed or ignored because depressive symptoms are taken as normal manifestations resulting from the aging process. But these symptoms may lead to loss of independence and aggravation of pre-existent pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, and associated socio-demographic factors amongst older adult patients attending a primary health care centre. It helps the mental health` professionals so as to achieve better results in terms of faster and accelerated recovery.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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