THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULT OUTPATIENTS AT THE GERIATRICS CLINIC
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Depression is the most common mental disorder among older adults, and is a leading cause of functional impairment, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of mortality. Despite its significant impacts, depression among older adults remains under-recognized and undertreated, with a lack of timely and appropriate interventions.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and identify associated factors among older adults aged 60 years and above attending the Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on older adults (≥ 60 years old) undergoing health examinations at the Geriatrics Outpatient Clinic, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, from October 2024 to March 2025. Depression screening was performed using the GDS-15, with a cut-off score of ≥ 6 to define depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate factors independently associated with depression.
Results: The study included 322 older adults. The prevalence of depression based on GDS-15 was 39.4%. Independent factors significantly associated with depression included overweight (OR = 0.19; KTC 95% 0.07 – 0.57; p = 0.003), obesity (OR = 0.33; KTC 95% 0.11 – 0.95; p = 0.040), financial difficulty (OR = 2.96; KTC 95%: 1.45 – 6.01; p = 0.003), frailty status according to CFS (OR = 2.27; KTC 95%: 1.02 – 5.14; p = 0.048), polypharmacy (OR = 2.54; KTC 95%: 1.06 – 6.09; p = 0.037), chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.85; KTC 95%: 1.48 – 9.98; p = 0.005).
Conclusions: The prevalence of depression among elderly outpatients at the Geriatrics Clinic based on GDS-15 was 39.4%. BMI, financial status, frailty, polypharmacy, and chronic kidney disease were significant independent factors associated with depression. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive depression screening and targeted interventions addressing some chronic medical conditions to improve mental health outcomes in the older population.
Keywords
Depression, older adults, outpatient
Article Details
References
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