A cross-sectional study on depression and its associated factors among rural elderly in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu

Authors

  • Ramesh Anshul Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7469-0979
  • Ashokkumar Vikram Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Annaii Medical College and Hospital, Rajalakshmi Health City, Pennalur, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6181-0945
  • Sankar Karthik Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Annaii Medical College and Hospital, Rajalakshmi Health City, Pennalur, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5156-8198
  • Deepak Avinash KR Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7261-6854
  • Mani Ezhilvanan Associate Professor (Statistics), Department of Community Medicine, Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6129-5314
  • Chinnaian Sivagurunathan Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Annaii Medical College and Hospital, Rajalakshmi Health City, Pennalur, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4152-8982

Keywords:

Aged; Older adults; Mental disorder

Abstract

Background: People around the world are living longer in the modern medicine era, often accompanied by challenges such as loneliness, neglect, and abuse impacting mental health. Depression is a common mental health condition among the elderly, frequently under-recognized and undertreated.

Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among rural elderly individuals in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India, and identify the associated sociodemographic factors.

Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 eligible individuals aged 60 years and above residing in rural field practice areas of a private medical college. A pre-tested, semi-structured interview schedule was used, including sociodemographic questions and the 30-item geriatric depression scale. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v21.0, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.

Results: The study revealed that 33.8% of participants had mild/moderate depression, and 10.8% had severe depression. Age group, marital status, working status, presence of chronic diseases, history of abuse/violence/neglect, and role as a decision-maker in the family were found to be significantly associated with depression. Logistic regression showed that currently, working elderly individuals had higher odds of depression. Elderly experiencing abuse/violence/neglect showed a trend toward higher odds of depression, and those whose decision-making role declined showed a trend toward lower odds of depression.

Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial prevalence of depression among rural elderly individuals and identifies several associated sociodemographic factors. These findings emphasize the need for community-level screening programs, counseling services, and strengthened rural health systems with adequate resources and infrastructure to provide targeted interventions and social support for the elderly, promoting their overall well-being.

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Published

2025-04-01

How to Cite

Ramesh Anshul, Ashokkumar Vikram, Sankar Karthik, Deepak Avinash KR, Mani Ezhilvanan, & Chinnaian Sivagurunathan. (2025). A cross-sectional study on depression and its associated factors among rural elderly in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, 16(4), 34–40. Retrieved from https://nepjol.info./index.php/AJMS/article/view/76359

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences

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