Publication:

A study to estimate the prevalence of depression among the inmates of select old age homes in Bangalore city, India

Background Geriatrics deals with the provision of comprehensive care that is given in the clinical, preventive, remedial and social aspects of illness in the elderly. As the age advances beyond 60, the person is subjected to emotional turmoil due to varying factors as a result of which they undergo a phase of depressive illness. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among the inmates of select old age homes in Bangalore city, using geriatric depression scale (GDS).

Methods It is a cross sectional study conducted among the inmates (330) in select old age homes in Bangalore city based on a 15-item geriatric depression scale (Short Form) during the period July 2014 to October 2014.

Results A vast majority, 207 (62.73%) were found to have secured scores between 6 and 10 which is suggestive of depressive syndrome among them. 66 (20%) of them were found to be actually depressed with scores 11 and above. 57 (17.27%) of them were not depressed.

Conclusions This revealed a sad state of the psychological trauma that they go through due to abandonment by their kith and kin. The mutual disregard and the lack of concern that their families had shown had also torn down their spirits and left them with a battered soul.