A Cross-Sectional Study Analysing the Level of Depression and Its Causative Factors Among Patients Visiting a Multispecialty Hospital

Depression is a pathological state of the mind characterised lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. The cause of depression is multifactorial and various physical, psychological, environmental and genetic factors have been implicated in the causation of depression. Despite being a serious condition in all age groups, depression is more common and significant in the geriatric population as it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Various scales have been developed to assess depression of which the Geriatric Depression Scale is most suited for elderly population. It has a long form and short form, the latter being more appropriate for elderly patients with dementia. In our study, we aim to analyse the prevalence of depression among elderly patients visiting the outpatient departments of a tertiary care hospital and determine the factors influencing depression in them. The study was an Observational crosssectional study carried out on 51 elderly patients over the age of 60 years attending the various outpatient departments of PSG Hospital. The Geriatric Depression Scale Short form was used to determine the prevalence of depression. A self-designed questionnaire considering various factors causing depression was administered to determine the factors influencing depression. It was found that among 51 elders in the age group of 60 to 80 years, 58.8% were depressed of which 54% were males and 68% were females. Financial fears regarding future and income insufficiency were the most important factors contributing to depression. This shows that monetary fear is a major factor resulting in depression. The most effective strategy to combat depression is to ensure appropriate self-report. The government and other organizations must ensure that better support, both financial and other services like healthcare are provided to the elderly in order to prevent depressive illnesses.