A Study to Assess the Level of Depression among Old Age People in Selected Villages in Mehsana District, Gujarat

Background- Ageing has not only social but also economic, political and health-related implications. Globally, prevalence of depression in geriatric population varies from 10% to 20%, while in India; it is even higher varying from 13% to 25%. Aims and objective- To assess the level of depression of among old age peoples and to associate the level of depression with selected demographic variables. Material and Methods- A cross sectional survey approach with descriptive research design was used. 200 old age peoples residing in valam, Kherava, Unava and Bhandu villages were selected by using purposive sampling technique. A 30 items Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaire was used. Result- 37% participants were belong to 60-65 years of age, 52% were male, 45% participant educated up to primary level, 97% were hindu, 76.5% participants not having any occupation, 48% had semi pakka type of house, 59% were belong to joint family, 36% had monthly income between 5001-10000. 97% were having medical illnesses. Finding on level of depression shown that Highest 51% (102) old age peoples had moderate level of depression and lowest 12% (24) had severe level of depression whereas 37% (74) had normal score. There was significant association found between level of depression with demographic variables like educational status. No association found with other demographic variable.