Prevalence of Depression among Elderly Residing in Geriatric Homes, Thiruvallur

Introduction: Mental health issue in the elderly is always neglected and undetected. The depression varies with respect to different environments, this will help us to know about its epidemiology. Range of depressive factors and happenings of varying life events, highly effect on individual’s psychological status, making them more liable to depression. Methods: To assess the prevalence of depression among elderly residing in selected geriatric home, Thiruvallur. Cross-sectional study with sample of 50 was taken from geriatric homes using convenience sampling method. Geriatric depression scale -15 (GDS-15) was used to assess the depression and mini-mental state examination (MMSE-30) was used to assess prevalence of depression. Results: Prevalence of depression was 73.3%. out of which 38% had mild depression, 18% had moderate depression and 10% had severe depression. Statistical significance (p<0.05) was found between married, illiterate, female, nuclear type of family and duration of stay more than two years.Conclusion: Better facilities and good environment in geriatric homes may help to reduce depression. Helping older adults adapt to limitations, meanwhile featuring positive qualities, may benefit older people in remaining independent and preserve a high quality of life during later years. Refine and plan the individualistic intervention to reduce depression level among elderly.