Prevalence and predictors of depression among an elderly population of Pakistan.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the magnitude and risk factors of the problem of depression in an elderly population of Pakistan.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of 402 people aged 65 and above visiting the Community Health Center of the Aga Khan University, Karachi. Questionnaire based interviews were conducted for data collection and the 15-Item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to screen for depression. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with depression.


RESULTS
Of the 402 participants; 69.7% (95% CI=+/-4.5%) were men, 76.4% (95% CI=+/-4.2%) were currently married, 36.8% (95% CI=+/-5%) had received 11 or more years of education and 24.4% (95% CI=+/-4.2%) were employed. The mean age was 70.57 years (SD=+/-5.414 years). The prevalence of depression was found to be 22.9% (95% CI=+/-4.1%) and multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that higher number of daily medications (p-value=0.03), total number of health problems (p-value=0.002), financial problems (p-value<0.001), urinary incontinence (p-value=0.08) and inadequately fulfilled spiritual needs (p-value = 0.067) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
We have identified several risk factors for depression in the elderly which need to be taken into account by practicing family physicians and health care workers.
Ganatra
Hammad A
HA
Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Zafar
Syed N
SN
Qidwai
Waris
W
Rozi
Shafquat
S
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires