Journal
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE REPORTS
Volume 23, Issue -, Pages -Publisher
ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101478
Keywords
Geriatrics; Elderly; Malnutrition; Depression; Bangladesh
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Malnutrition is the root cause of health issues like depression, with high rates of malnutrition and depression among the elderly. Maintaining physical health, a healthy lifestyle, and supportive family environment are key factors in reducing depression among the elderly population.
Malnutrition is the root of numerous complications ranging from physical disability to mental health problems like depression. Depending on the intensity, depression can lead to emotional fluctuations, even suicidal attempts. Geriatric health in a country like Bangladesh is often ignored, although they are a growing segment of society. This community-based cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of depression and malnutrition in the elderly to evaluate the relationship between depression and malnutrition. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to determine nutritional status, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to assess depression. About 84% of the participants showed a different array of depression symptoms. The rate of malnutrition and depression is higher among the male participants. Being malnourished (OR: 4.05, 95% CI: 2.79-5.87) and people are at risk of malnutrition (OR:1.67, 95% CI:1.24-2.24) had a significantly higher risk of suffering from depression. Maintaining a good physical state, a healthy lifestyle, and a supportive family environment are among the factors that can reduce depression in the elderly population. Therefore, to fight depression, specific programs and targeted interventions focusing on physical and mental stability for the elderly at the community level can enhance awareness at the individual and family levels.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available