Depression in the elderly - abstract

ABSTRACT

This is a cross-sectional study of elderly persons living in institutional, rural and urban settings. It was conducted to determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly and to determine the factors which may act as protective mechanisms against depression. Elderly males and females were chosen from three senior citizen clubs and the Golden Age Home in Kingston and St Andrew. The study revealed that the highest prevalence of depression was in the institutional setting followed by urban and then rural areas. Elderly persons less than 69 years old, those with no income, and those with financial troubles in the previous year were more likely to have depression symptoms. The elderly who had close contact with children and who possessed enough privacy were likely not to have depressive symptoms. These findings disclosed that there is a significant level of depression among the elderly, and that programmes need to be developed to cope with their emotional and economic needs. (AU)