Prevalence and clinical characteristics of depression among elderly patients attending primary health care centers in Diyala Governorate

Background: In the elderly, depression is the most frequent mood condition. It has been linked to major consequences such as disability, functional decline, decreased quality of life, higher mortality, it is the most costly health problem among elderly, a little study is written about depression among elderly patients in Iraq. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression in elderly aged 60 years and more who visited primary health care centers in Diyala. Methodology: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study that was conducted on 218 patients from PHCs of 2 sectors: Al-Kales and 1st Baquba, Diyala governorate-Iraq. A direct interview was conducted by the researcher. The survey was conducted over seven months from 1st of September 2020 till 1st of April 2021. The diagnosis of depression in geriatric measure by use short form of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) the Arabic version and the socio-demographical factors was also inquired in this study. Results: The prevalence of depression among the study participants was found to be 63.3% .There was a statistically significant association between depression and gender(in female more than male 69.2%), marital status(in widowed 84.8%), current residence(93.3% who residence alone), and source of monthly income(78.1% financial assistance), medical illnesses(70.2%), and previous depression(71.3%). Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among elderly attending primary health centers in Diyala Governorate and primary care settings present opportunities for the detection and management of depression in the elderly patients