Depression among the elderly population dwelling in Dibrugarh District Assam: A Community Based Study

Background: Depression is found to be the most common psychiatric condition among the elderly, yet remains undiagnosed and mostly considered as normal process of ageing. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and determinant of geriatric depression among elderly population residing in Dibrugarh district. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional design is used to screen geriatric depression (aged 60 and above) from March 2025 to August 2025. Required sample size was 480. Stratified random sampling design was used and a total of 12 PSUs/SSUs (6 urban + 6 rural) were chosen for the study. Primary study tool employed for data collection is “Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF)”. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done. p<0.05 considered as significant. Result : Overall rate of depression among the elderly was 54.8%, with 45.2% asymptomatic, 43.3% with mild depression and 11.5% for moderate to severe depression. Gender (p = 0.002, p < 0.05), employment status (p = 0.011, p < 0.05), and monthly income (p = 0.042, p < 0.05) was significantly associated with depression. Elderly aged 60-69 years and those residing in rural areas exhibited higher prevalence of depression. However, no statistically significant association was identified. Conclusion: Late-life depression remains a significant public health problem particularly for women, unemployed and poorer section. High prevalence of depression needs to be addressed early with different interventions incorporated as comprehensive health care for elderly