Study on Level of Depression among Elderly Residing in an Old Age Home in Hyderabad, Telangana

Introduction: Depression is a major public health problem especially in geriatric population. With increasing trend of the concept of old age homes in India, the present study was designed to evaluate the depression among elderly in old age home and to recommend suggestive measures to prevent or reduce it. Material & Methods: An institution based cross sectional study was done in an old age home of Hyderabad. 80 elderly clients were interviewed using a pre designed pre tested questionnaire. Assessment of depression was done by using Beck’s Depression Inventory. Prior permission was taken from the Head of the old age home and informed consent was taken from the participants. Data entry was done using Microsoft Excel 2007 and analysis was done by using EPI INFO version 7. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 67.4±4.7 years with majority in 66-70 years age group (61%) and 55% were males. Mean depression score was 21.64. Maximum of elderly clients 39 (48%) had moderate depression and 23 (29%) had mild mood disturbance. Prevalence of depression was significantly associated with increased age; in females; and with duration of stay in old age home. Conclusions: Prevalence of depression was high in the present study and the associated factors noticed were increased age; in females; and with duration of stay in old age home.