A survey of the depression rate among the elderly in Kermanshah, 2012

Background: Depression is a common and disabling disorder among elderly people which is associated with decreased quality of life. It has negative effects on the physical and mental functions of the elderly. Elderly population of the country has been increasing and almost few studies  have been conducted on the depression rate of the group. Therefore, this study was performed aiming at determining the depression rate of the elderly in Kermanshah.

Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 383 elderly participants of Kermanshah selected through the random cluster method in 2012. Accordingly, considering the city as 5 districts (based on the classification of municipal areas), 77 people from each district were randomly chosen. Next, they were provided with a standard depression test (Beck) and a demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Results: The results of this study showed that the depression rate for 18.5 % of the participants was mild, 40.2 % moderate, 5.7 % serious, and 3.1 % very serious Also, 32.4 % showed no signs of the disorder. There revealed to be no significant relationship between depression and gender, living district, and the employed or unemployed status of the elderly participants.  But there revealed to be a significant correlation between depression rate with having an insurance (p<0.001), doing exercise (p<0.001), the amount of income (p<0.0001), and the age (p<0.017).

Conclusions: The high prevalence of depression among the elderly, especially for those with low income, no insurance, and those who are less active, proves their growing needs for an  economical –social support.Therefore, it is recommended that the authorities take an effective step for decreasing the depression rate of these people through the proper planning, provision of sports facilities, employment and recreational opportunities.