Prevalence and Determinants of Geriatric Depression in Gopalganj, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Geriatric depression has become a significant concern. This study addresses the growing concern regarding geriatric depression by investigating its prevalence and associated socio-demographic and socioeconomic factors among elderly individuals in the Gopalganj District of Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a multi-indicator survey to investigate various health issues among elderly individuals. The study utilized a two-stage cluster sampling method to select a sample of 400 elderly participants of both sexes. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: The results indicated a high prevalence of geriatric depression among elderly individuals, with approximately 48.8% experiencing moderate to severe depression. This study highlights high depression rates among elderly individuals, particularly among women, lower-income groups, the illiterate, and the unemployed. Education, occupation, income, smoking habits, age, and family structure play a significant role in geriatric depression. Additionally, the study revealed that social support, marital status, and living arrangements significantly influence the mental well-being of elderly individuals. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize that policymakers must urgently address the mental health of elderly individuals, with a specific focus on women and those financially reliant on their families, especially sons.