PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS ATTENDING A PSYCHIATRY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Depression among the elderly is a significant mental health problem associated with functional impairment, 
poor quality of life, poor treatment compliance, and increased morbidity. It often remains underdiagnosed because 
symptoms may overlap with physical illnesses and aging-related changes.
Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among elderly patients attending a psychiatry 
outpatient department.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Psychiatry during 2015 
among 128 elderly patients aged 60 years and above attending the outpatient department. Depression was assessed using 
the Geriatric Depression Scale. Sociodemographic profile, associated medical illnesses, psychosocial factors, and severity 
of depression were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and independent t-test. A p-value 
less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.