Depression and quality of life (QoL) among older adults in Sudurpashchim Province, Nepal: findings from a cross-sectional community survey

Global rise in the older adult population is linked with the higher load of depression, with substantial effect in their quality of life (QoL). This matter is not adequately explored in most of the regions of Nepal. Our study aimed to examine the prevalence of geriatric depression and its association with QoL in the Far-Western (Sudurpaschim) Province of Nepal. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in the randomly selected Hill and Tarai population of the Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal (from October to December, 2021). Trained interviewers administered structured questionnaires that incorporated culturally adapted Nepali versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) for identifying depression, and World Health Organization Quality of life (WHOQoL-8) for measuring the QoL, of the older adult(≥ 60 years) participants (N = 945). Bivariate logistic regression analysis examined the possible associations of geriatric depression with the study variables. Multivariable logistic regression explored the statistically significant factors associated with geriatric depression. Independent samples t-test assessed the relationship between the study variables and the total and domain-specific QoL scores. Pearson’s correlation tested the link between depression and QoL. Of the total 956 selected older adult participants, 945 took part in the study (participation rate 98.8%). Just above half were females (50.2%). The mean age was 69.3 (7.8) years. More than half (52.5%) were inhabitants from Tarai; the majority were without formal education (65.5%), not formally employed (97.9%), and earning below Nepalese Rupees (NPR) 20,000 per month (87.1%).The prevalence of geriatric depression was 43.9%. Geriatric depression was significantly associated with age 75 years and above (AOR 1.5), Hill habitation (AOR 1.6), and lower total and domain-specific QoL scores (p < 0.001). Mean total QoL score was 25.9 (3.9). Total as well as the domain-specific QoL scores were significantly lower among the older adults who were from the Tarai region, and who had monthly income below NPR 20,000 (p < 0.001). Depression is not only highly prevalent, but also considerably affecting the QoL of the older adult population in the Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal. These findings necessitate prioritization of the geriatric mental health care programs in the country.