PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG THE ELDERLY IN TRUONG QUANG TRONG WARD, QUANG NGAI CITY

Introduction: Depression is a common mental disorder in the elderly. It will be the leading cause of the global burden of disease by 2030. Objectives: (1) To identify the prevalence of depression among the elderly in Truong Quang Trong ward, Quang Ngai city using the GDS-30 scale. (2) To analyze the factors associated with depression among participants. Research methods: This was a descriptive cross – sectional study. A total sample of 447 people aged 60 and older living in Truong Quang Trong, Quang Ngai city were investigated. The GDS – 30 was used to identify depression and a semi – structure questionnaire was used to examine associated factors of depression. Multivariable logistic regression method was used to analyze factors associated with depression. Results: The prevalence of depression in the participants was 15.9%, among which mild depression was 2.7%, average 9.2% and severe 4.0%. Associated factors with depression were physical activity, negative events in the past 12 months, stressful events in life, family structure-living conditions and genetic factors. Conclusion: In this population, prevalence of depression in the elderly was quite high, therefore early detection and identification of risk factors of depression are essential for early intervention and prevention of this disorder. Key words: Depression, elderly, Truong Quang Trong Ward, Quang Ngai City