ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GERIATRIC DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE
Dr. Adeen Shafey*, Dr. Kinza Javaid and Dr. Shiena
ABSTRACT
The aim of our study to evaluate social factors responsible for depression in elderly. Methods: It is a descriptive case series study performed at Nishtar Hospital Multan. We included 385 patients in our study. Data was gathered through questionnaires filled out during the interview. We analyzed data using SPSS version 18. Results: Urbanization is the highest factor of depression in elderly people between the age of 60-65 yrs. Joint family system is the next social factor (73%). Some other factors, like their past(70%), traumatic events in their life(58%), living a retirement life(61%), unemployment(55%), smoking habit(61%), sleep disorders(54%)are also responsible for depression in elderly patients. Conclusion: Depressing symptoms were predominant among hospitalized old age patients and independently associated with intellectual decline, poor family function and weakness. Some other factors that are responsible for geriatric depression include living alone, marital status, sleep disorders, income status, no physical activity etc.
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