Depression in Indonesian Elderly Inmates: A Preliminary Study

Background: Physical and social environments in prisons cause mental disorders, the prevalence of depression is higher in correctional settings than in general population. Depression is one of mental disorders among older adult including elderly prisoners, however the incidence is uncertain particularly in Indonesia. Objectives: This study aims to describe the prevalence of depression among elderly inmates in Indonesia. Methods: A survey study design was employed on 21 elderly inmates selected by total sampling method in a prison in Indonesia. Data was collected by a face to face interview using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and statistical analysis used descriptive statistics. Results: The study revealed that 4.76% elderly had extremely severe depression, 4.76% elderly had severe depression, 9.52% elderly had medium depression,23.81%elderlyhadmilddepression,and57.14%elderlyhadnodepression. Conclusions: Prevalence of depression among elderly inmates was relatively high. Thus, providing counseling to elderly to cope with prison environment will increase problem solving.