Depression among the elderly population dwelling in Dibrugarh District Assam: A Community Based Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Depression is found to be the most common psychiatric condition among the elderly, yet remains undiagnosed and mostly considered as normal process of ageing. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and determinant of geriatric depression among elderly population residing in Dibrugarh district. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional design is used to screen geriatric depression (aged 60 and above) from March 2025 to August 2025. Required sample size was 480. Stratified random sampling design was used and a total of 12 PSUs/SSUs (6 urban + 6 rural) were chosen for the study. Primary study tool employed for data collection is “Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-SF)”. Univariate and bivariate analysis was done. p<0.05 considered as significant. Result : Overall rate of depression among the elderly was 54.8%, with 45.2% asymptomatic, 43.3% with mild depression and 11.5% for moderate to severe depression. Gender (p = 0.002, p < 0.05), employment status (p = 0.011, p < 0.05), and monthly income (p = 0.042, p < 0.05) was significantly associated with depression. Elderly aged 60-69 years and those residing in rural areas exhibited higher prevalence of depression. However, no statistically significant association was identified. Conclusion: Late-life depression remains a significant public health problem particularly for women, unemployed and poorer section. High prevalence of depression needs to be addressed early with different interventions incorporated as comprehensive health care for elderly
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154141080
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