A Descriptive Study to Assess Depression among Elderly Population of selected Urban Community of Cheharta, Amritsar Punjab

Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 lives every year.

Study: A Descriptive study to assess depression among elderly population of selected urban community of Cheharta, Amritsar, Punjab.

Objectives:

1. To assess the prevalence of depression among elderly population.

2. To determine association of depression among elderly population with socio-demographic variables.

3. To prepare and distribute the guidelines on stress management.

Methods: The aim of the study is to combat with depression among elderly by preparing and distributing guidelines for prevention of stress. A non-experimental research approach along with descriptive research design was used. Research study was conducted in selected urban community of cheharta, Amritsar, Punjab. Non-Probability sampling technique purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. Socio-demographic profile and Modified Geriatric depression scale was used to assess depression among elderly population of selected urban community of Cheharta, Amritsar, Punjab. The tool was administered to 200 elderly persons of selected urban community. The permission for research was taken from the medical officer of Cheharta. After taking the permission Kartar Nagar an area of Cheharta was chosen for the study. Data for study was collected by door to door visit in selected community. Chi square was employed to determine association of collected data. Result: Results showed that 57(28.5%) of elderly population were from age group of 66-70 years, 110(55%) were females and 151(75.5%) were illiterate. Among the elderly majority 105(52.2%) were having mild level of depression followed by 35(17.5%) who were having moderate depression. It was found that there was significant association of level of depression with age.

Conclusion: It is concluded that mild and moderate depression is more prevalent among elderly in selected urban community of Cheharta, Amritsar.