Comparative Study of Depression Rates in Trivandrum District's Elderly Residents Living with Family and in Selected Elderly Homes

Abstract

At older ages, mental health is shaped not only by physical and social environments but also by the cumulative impacts of earlier life experiences and specific stressors related to ageing. Exposure to adversity, significant loss in intrinsic capacity, and a decline in functional ability can all result in psychological distress. Older adults are more likely to experience adverse events such as bereavement, or a drop in income or reduced sense of purpose with retirement. Despite their many contributions to society, many older adults are subject to ageism, which can seriously affect people’s mental health. Depressive disorder (commonly known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It entails a gloomy mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. Depression differs from normal mood swings and sentiments about day-to-day living. All facets of life, including those with friends, family, and the community, may be impacted. It may be the cause of or contribute to issues at work and school. Anyone can experience depression. Depression is more common in people who have experienced abuse, significant losses, or other stressful situations. Compared to men, women are more prone to experience depression. Approximately 14% of persons 60 years of age and older suffer from a mental illness. The Global Health Estimates (GHE) 2019 state that these conditions cause 10.6% of older adults' total disability (measured in disability adjusted life years, or DALYs). Anxiety and depression are the two most prevalent mental health issues among older persons. According to GHE 2019, adults 60 years of age or above account for about a quarter (27.2%) of suicide fatalities worldwide. The stigma associated with mental health issues might discourage people from seeking treatment, and these issues are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in the elderly population. Determining the prevalence of depression in older adults living with family, older adults living in old age homes, comparing the prevalence of depression in these groups, and determining whether there is a relationship between the levels of depression in these groups and their selected demographic variables such as age, sex, religion, marital status, number of children, and related manifestable problems were the objectives of the study. The survey included 50 senior citizens from Kanyakulangara who lived with family and 50 senior citizens who resided in particular assisted living facilities. A comparative research design was employed in this study. The duration of the trial was one month. Data for this study were collected using the Modified Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), a rating scale. Thirty is the final score. The rating score is 1-3. Frequency, percentage, and the chi square test were used to examine the data. The study found that whereas 84% of seniors living in assisted living facilities had moderate depression and 8% have severe depression, 90% of seniors living with family have normal depression and 10% have major depression. A comparison of the prevalence of depression in these categories revealed that older adults living in specific old age homes had greater rates of depression than those living with relatives. Their level of depression was found to be substantially connected with age, sex, marital status, number of children, and related manifestable difficulties.