A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Psychosocial Deviations and Depression among the Senior Citizens of Selected Rural Community of Gurdaspur, Punjab

Mental health is on the verge of emerging as one of the most problematic challenges in the world, while depression is estimated to be the second largest cause of disease burden in our country. Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feeling of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. Majority of individuals who suffers from severe depression in old age come from a pool of people who suffer primarily from depressive conditions. So there arises the need for prevention.

Methods: The aim of the study is to assess prevalence of psychosocial deviations and depression among senior citizens of selected rural community. A non-experimental research approach along with Cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. Research study was conducted in selected rural community of Gurdaspur, Punjab. Non-Probability sampling technique purposive sampling technique was used for data collection. The study was delimited to senior citizens residing in selected rural community. It was assumed that the senior citizens may or may not have any psychosocial problems and depression. Socio-demographic variables were age, gender, education, income, self efficacy, employment, years of retirement, life partner alive or expired. Likert scale on psychosocial deviations of senior citizens and Modified Beck's depression inventory was used to assess depression among senior citizen of selected rural community of Gurdaspur , Punjab. The tool was administered to 100 elderly persons of selected rural community. The permission for research was taken from the authorities of selected village. Data for study was collected by door to door visit in selected community. Chi square was employed to determine association of collected data.

Result: According to age of the senior citizen out of 100, majority were in age group of 66-70years (26%). As per educational status most of senior citizens were un-educated (47%). Distribution of study sample according to employment in which maximum were homemakers (74%). Regarding monthly income majority (52%) had family income Rs upto 2000/-. Distribution of study subjects according to self efficacy (61%) of senior citizens belonged to group not self efficate. Regarding gender most of study subjects were male; (59%). Pertaining to years of retirement counted maximum in 1-3 year group (46.%). According to life partner alive or expired maximum (53.%) were living with their life partners.

Conclusion: Hence, it may be concluded that out of 100 study subjects, majority were in age group 66-70 years, were homemakers ,un-educated with monthly income upto 2000/-. (57%) of the subjects had medium level of psychosocial deviations and overall mean was 33.33. (24%) severe level of depression. The overall mean of depression was 16.66. It shows that a significant association was found between psychosocial deviations and depression with age, income, self efficacy, years of retirement, life partner alive or expired.