A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Depression and Quality of Life in Geriatric Population Attending Tertiary Care Centre

BACKGROUND: Globally, geriatric population (aged 60 and over) is growing faster. India is in a process of demographic transformation. Old age is a period of transition where one has to deal with the physical aging and challenges affecting the mental and social wellbeing. Depression accounts for the greatest burden among elderly which decreases an individual�s quality of life and increases dependence on others. AIMS: To estimate the Prevalence of Depression and to determine its correlates and assess the quality of life among elderly in a tertiary care general hospital setting. METHODS: The study was conducted in 50 patients greater than60 years of age attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care general hospital in south India. The socio-demographic details were collected using a semi-structured proforma. General health questionnaire (GHQ- 12) was administered to assess psychological distress. Presence of depression was assessed by administering Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The quality of life was assessed by administering WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Appropriate statistical analysis was done, the results were obtained. RESULTS: Depression was found in 28 % of participants, more common in 6th and 7th decade, female gender, widowed and who have multiple chronic illnesses. Among chronic illnesses, depression was more in hypertensives (43.75 %) followed by diabetics (28.57 %). Quality of life is poorer across all domains in the 8th decade. Environmental domain poorer in the 6th and 8th decade. Presence of chronic illness affected the social domain the most. CONCLUSION: By improving the general health condition, elderly can be independent in performing their daily activities, also economic and social support can reduce their feeling of helplessness and improve their mental status. This can be achieved by providing better health services to geriatric patients, hence the role of consultation� liaison psychiatry comes into play.