PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND THE ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG THE ELDERLY IN SOME COMMUNITIES OF THUA THIEN HUE PROVINCE

Introduction: Currently, Vietnam is entering the aging population stage and is one of the fastest aging countries worldwide. Old age increases the risk of chronic diseases, particularly mental health disorders. Objective: investigated the prevalence of depression and examined the associated factors with depression among older people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was implemented in 760 older people in some communities of Thua Thien Hue province from January to August 2020. Data were collected by directinterviewing based on a structured questionnaire, including demographic, socio-economic, geriatric Depression scale with 30 questions (GDS-30), health status and physical activities. The GDS-30 was used to evaluate the prevalence of depression. The multiple logistic regression model was applied to exam the associated factors with depression. Results: Our findings indicated that the prevalence of depression among elderly people was 28.6%, comprising mild (23.6%) and seveve (5%). The higher Odds of depression was observed in the low economic status (poor/near-poor) (OR= 2.51; 95% CI: 1.15 – 5.48), live alone (OR= 2.43; 95% CI: 1.02-5.78), co-morbidities chronic disease(OR =1,59; 95% CI: 1.01 – 2.52), self-evaluation not good in overall health status (OR =2.34; 95% CI: 1,50 – 3,66), dissatisfaction in health (OR = 2.55; 95% CI:1.59 – 4.08), lack of physical activities (OR =2.79; 95% CI: 1.83 - 4.27), and low quality of life (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.84-4.24). Conclusions: This research suggests that older people are commonly exposing to depression in the communities. Therefore, the priority strategies for reducing depression should be implemented, particularly in the high-risk groups.