A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Depression and its Associated Factors among the Geriatric Population in the Urban Field Practice Area of a Medical College

Abstract Background: The geriatric population is especially vulnerable to depression due to various social, biological and psychological factors. Depression frequently remains undiagnosed due to the misconception that it is a natural aspect of aging, the masking of symptoms by coexisting physical illnesses and social stigma. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among the geriatric population. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the geriatric population in the urban field practice area of a medical college. The calculated sample size was 260, which was achieved through systematic random sampling. A structured pro forma was used to collect information regarding sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, and other relevant details. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess the presence of depression, its severity and the difficulty in socio-occupational functioning. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 29.0.2.0, Jamovi version 2.3.28. Results: The prevalence of depression was 40.38% (95% C.I. =34.42-46.64). Mild depression was the most common, seen in 38.1% of participants, while severe depression was observed in 7.62%. On multivariate analysis, female gender, unemployment, unskilled occupation, semiskilled occupation, lower middle socioeconomic class and non-optimum nighttime sleep duration were found to be independent risk factors for depression. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression is considerably high. Only 3 (1.15%) of the participants were already diagnosed cases of depression, which highlights the large burden of undiagnosed depression.