Prevalence and risk factors for depression among community resident older people in Kerala

Background: Depression is the most common mental health problem in late-life. We need more information about the incidence and prevalence of major and minor syndromes of depression in older people. This will help in service development.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders among community resident older people in Kerala, India and to identify factors associated with late-life depression.

Materials and methods: Two hundred and twenty community resident older subjects were assessed for depression by clinicians trained in psychiatry. They used a symptom checklist based on International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) Diagnostic criteria for research for Depression and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale for assessment of symptoms. A structured proforma was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics and medical history. The point prevalence of depression was estimated. Univariate analysis and subsequent binary logistic regression were carried out to identify factors associated with depression.

Results: Prevalence of any ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1992) depressive episode was 39.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.6-45.9). There was significant correlation between depression and female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.07-5.06) and history of a significant life event in the previous year (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.27-4.49).

Conclusion: High prevalence rate of late-life depression is indicative of high burden due to depression among older people in the community. Better awareness among primary care clinicians can result in better detection and management of late-life depression.