The prevalence of depression among the elderly in Sepang, Selangor.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly and to identify its associated factors.


METHODS
A cross sectional study design was used. Stratified proportionate cluster sampling method was used to select the respondents. A 30 item Geriatric Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening instrument.


RESULTS
7.6% of the elderly were found to have depression. Only employment status was found to be significantly associated with depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of depression in the elderly was 7.6%. Primary Care providers need to be vigilant when treating elderly patients as depression is commonly found in this age group.
Sherina
M S
MS
Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor.
Rampal
L
L
Mustaqim
A
A
D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors