Article: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AMONG GERIATRIC POPULATION REPORTING AT AYOTHIDOSS PANDITHAR HOSPITAL, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SIDDHA, CHENNAI, INDIA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.166217

Pages: 73-80

Author: Ramya A *, Lakshmi Kantham T, Vetha Merlin Kumari H, Senthilvel G

Abstract: Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depression in geriatric population -Using The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). To estimate the factors influencing depression in geriatric population – Using Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADLs), Multidimensional Scale for perceived social support (MSPSS). Study Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai. A total of 300 individuals aged ?60 years were selected using systematic random sampling from a pool of 500 screened patients. Depression was assessed using the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Functional ability and social support were evaluated using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), respectively. Associations with depression were examined using the χ² test, with P < .05 considered statistically significant. Result: Among 300 participants (mean age, 70.66 years), the prevalence of depression was 43.3%, including 32.3% with mild and 11.0% with severe symptoms. Depression was significantly associated with older age (P < .001), male gender (P < .001), low income (P = .001), presence of comorbidities (P < .001), and lower IADL and MSPSS scores (both P < .001). No significant associations were observed with marital status or educational level. Conclusion: Depression is prevalent in nearly half of the elderly population studied, with several modifiable social and health-related determinants. These findings underscore the need for early screening and integrated mental health interventions, particularly in traditional healthcare settings. Incorporating Siddha-based holistic therapies alongside psychosocial support could enhance geriatric mental health and promote healthy aging.

Keyword: Geriatric depression, Siddha medicine, social support, functional disability, Geriatric Depression Scale, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Su