Effectiveness of complementary based culture methods in overcoming depression in the elderly : a quasi experimental study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Depression among the elderly often goes undetected, despite a national prevalence of 11.6%, rising to 20% in community settings. Brain gym and gamelan music have been studied separately to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in older adults; this study explores their combination as a culture-based complementary nursing intervention. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a culture-based complementary intervention in reducing depression among the elderly, thereby contributing to improved community mental health. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a control group and pre-test/post-test assessments was used. A total of 186 elderly participants, recruited via purposive sampling, were assigned to intervention (n = 93) or control (n = 93) groups. The intervention group received twenty therapy sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using paired and independent samples t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Mean GDS-15 scores decreased from 9.12 ± 2.562 to 6.06 ± 2.892 in the intervention group (p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.99) and from 8.66 ± 2.684 to 8.22 ± 3.103 in the control group (p = 0.004; Cohen's d = 0.31). The score reduction was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (−3.054 ± 1.535 vs. −0.441 ± 1.425; mean difference = 2.61; t(184) = −12.030; p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.76). Conclusion: A combination of brain gym and Balinese gamelan is effective in reducing depression among the elderly and has potential as a culture-based nursing approach.
Institution: Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Buleleng
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224839596