Depression of the Institutionalized Elderly

Introduction The aging of the population is a characteristic phenomenon of Western countries and soon in Tunisia. An average of 20% of the population aged over 60 is expected in 2029. Depression in the elderly is frequent, especially among those living in institutions. Objectives •To determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly living in institution. •Assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on the prevalence of depression in the elderly in institution. Patients and methods A cross-sectional descriptive study in Manouba institution for the elderly. Depression screening by Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS 15). The independence in daily life activities was assessed by the scale Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Collection of the socio-demographic characteristics by a predetermined questionnaire. Results •Forty-two subjects were included in the study. •Participants had an average age of 71.5. •Seventy-three percent of participants were males. •Seventeen percent had depression, 45.2% had a probable depression against 37.8 % that had no depression. •Sixty-six point two percent were autonomous. •Factors significantly associated with depression were: female gender (p = 0.048), and the urban origin (p = 0.05). •In the institutionalized elderly, the degree of autonomy is not a factor influencing depression. Conclusion Screening for depression in the institutionalized elderly is particularly essential in patients at risk.