Prevalence of depression and associated factors among elderly people in Womberma District, north-west, Ethiopia

BackgroundDepression is a common mental disorder that suffers many elderly people who are neglected, their problems are overlooked, and no efforts are made to mitigate their suffering. It is a mental health problem which is both underdiagnosed and under treated in primary care settings. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among elderly people in Womberma District, Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10/2020 - April 08/2020. From a 2269 study population, 959 study participants were selected by using computer-generated simple random sampling techniques from selected kebeles. Data were collected using Geriatric depression scale item 15 through face-to-face interviews. Then, entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analyses. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of depression. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported and statistical significance was declared at P-values <0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of depression among elderly people was 45% [95% CI: 41.7-48.5%]. Being female [AOR=1.60, 95% CI [(1.15-2.23)], (age>=75years [AOR=7.95, 95% CI (4.98-12.68)], age 70-74years [AOR=5.52, 95% CI (3.52-8.66)], age 65-69years [AOR=2.39,95% CI (1.54-3.70)]; divorced [AOR=2.53, 95% CI (1.59-4.03)], widowed [AOR=2.65, 95% CI (1.61-4.34)]; poor social support [AOR=3.32, 95% CI (1.77-6.23)] and presence of known chronic disease [AOR=1.91, 95% CI (1.30-2.81)] were significantly associated factors with depression.ConclusionsIn this study, the prevalence of depression among elderly people was high compared with previous studies done in other parts of Ethiopia. Older age, being female, marital loss, presence of known chronic disease, and poor social support were contributing factors for depression among elders. Early screening and co-morbidity management of depression should be comprised in basic primary health care packages. And also, ensuring adequate social support by establishing the Geriatrics care center could play a crucial role to mitigate the suffering of the elders from marital loss provoked loneness and depression.

Automated summary

The study revealed a high prevalence of depression among elderly people in Womberma District, Ethiopia, with factors such as older age, being female, marital loss, presence of known chronic disease, and poor social support significantly associated with depression. Strategies for early screening, managing co-morbidities, and providing adequate social support may help mitigate the suffering of elders with depression.