Abstract:
Background: Depression is one of the most incapacitating conditions in older people.
Depression in the elderly population has been identified as a major public health
issue, with serious consequences such as decreased quality of life, cognitive decline,
and increased suicide rates. However, few population-based studies of depression in
older adults have been conducted in developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia.
Objective: This study aimed to assess prevalence of depression and associated factors
among older people in Debre Berhan town, North Shoa Zone, Amara Region
Ethiopia, 2022.
Method: A Community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June
10- July 15, 2022. A multi stage sampling technique was employed to recruit a total
of 759 study participants and data was collected by using interviewer administered
questionnaire. The presence of Depression was determined using Geriatric Depression
Scale Item-15 (GDS-15). The data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 then
exported to SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and
variables with a P-value less than 0.25 in bivariable analysis were transferred to
multivariable analysis. In multivariable, a P- value ≤0.05 and OR with 95% CI
considered for the presence of a statistically significant association.
Result: A total of 744 older people participated with a response rate of 98%. The
overall prevalence of depression among older people estimated as 48.9% (95% CI
45.3-52.6); Respondents being cognitive impairment (AOR 2.208 [95% CI: 1.146-
4.255]), had poor social support (AOR 7.992 [95 % CI: 3.928-16.264]), unable to read
and write AOR 3.897 [95% CI: 1.16-13.14]), Chronic disease (AOR: 1.769 [95% CI:
1.050-2.98]), age group ≥70 AOR 6.159[95% CI: 2.991-12.682]) and previous history
of depression (AOR: 1.961 [95% CI: 1.086-3.542]) had a significant association with
depression.
Conclusion: In this study, the overall prevalence of depression among elderly people
was high than previous study.Greater emphasis must be placed on identifying and
treating depression, particularly in those over the age of 70, as well as in those with
limited social support and suffering from chronic disease.
