Depression and its associated factors among community dweller older adults in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Belay Shiferaw Kassaw ,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia., Solomon Yalew Ermias , Zemed Ashenaf , Teferi Chanie Samuel , Abera zeleke Gebreeyesus , Mekie Yitayal Melisew , Fentanew Molla ,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,   Department of Surgical Nurse, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,   Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
Published: July 2024

Background : Depression is one of the most frequent mental health disorders in the world among the elderly, and it is a serious public health concern because it affects so many people. The global rise in the aging population has sparked concerns about the mental well-being of older individuals. Most studies on mental disorders among older people have been conducted in high-income countries, with similar studies less common in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among community-dweller older adults living in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Method : A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar town. Depression was measure by Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Eight hundred and twentyfive community dweller older adults were participated in this study. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Statistical Package of Social Science version 25 software was used to analyze the data. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis model, adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI and p value<0.05 were used to identify the associated factors with depression. Results : The prevalence of depression was 53.4% (95% CI: 49.8, 57.0). Being female (AOR: 5.758, 95% CI: 1.078–30.765), having an elderly occupation like a housewife (AOR: 4.174, 95% CI: 1.539–11.319), and being retired (AOR: 2.532, 95% CI: 1.104-5.806). Older adults perceived poor social support (AOR: 11.3785, 95% CI: 0.01-25.835), moderate social support (AOR: 2.966, 95% CI: 1.454-6.051), and physical inactivity (AOR: 12.042, 95% CI: 1.580-31.959) as strongly associated with depression. Conclusion : The prevalence of depression in Gondar town was high. Being female, divorce, housewives, retirees, poor social support, and low physical activity were significantly associated with depression. Depressive symptoms among the elderly must be diagnosed earlier, and proper treatment should be given to increase quality of life and prevent mental health disorders.