BACKGROUND

Depression is a widespread mental disorder that affects 3.8% of the global population, with a total prevalence rate of 5.7% in the age group of 60 and older. Symptoms include feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and thoughts of dying or suicide. The Philippines has a high mental health issue among its older adults, with 7.5 million accounting for 7.5% of the population. The country ranks third in the Western Pacific Region, with 6 million Filipinos suffering from depression and anxiety.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among the elderly group ages 60 and older in Barangay Cabangahan, Consolacion, Cebu.

METHOD

This study used a cross-sectional research design. Respondents were randomly selected through convenient sampling through house-to-house visitation and face-to-face interviews. Assessment tools were distributed assessing the demographic profile, Family APGAR, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). The depression scale was adapted to determine the prevalence of depression among the elderly. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, which displayed the frequency distribution and percentage of the respondents’ demographic profile, family function, and prevalence of depression. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the association of the demographic profile and family function with the prevalence of depression.

RESULTS

The demographic profile of the elderly group is mostly women, comprising 93 (80.87%) of the population; 53 (46.09%) belong to the young-old age group (aged 60–65), and 65 (56.53%) are married. The majority are elementary school graduates, 72 (62.61%); their source of financial support is their children, 42 (35.5%), and employment is 35 (30.43%). Most live together with their immediate family, 106 (92.17%). This study identified 60 (52.17%) of the 115 respondents as having a highly functional family. Only 35.65% (41) of the respondents had mild depression, while 54 (46.09%) reported no or minimal depression. Among the demographic profiles, living alone, having more than one comorbidity, and taking more than one medication may lead to depression among the elderly, with r-values of .191,213 and.222, respectively. The study indicates a significant relationship between family function and the prevalence of depression in the elderly, with a p-value of 0.022 and a weak negative correlation with an r-value of -.214.

SUMMARY/CONCLUSION

The elderly population is predominantly women, with most being married and living with their immediate family. Highly functional families are evident, while the prevalence of depression is low, with only 35.65% experiencing mild symptoms. The study suggests improving the quality of life for the elderly through intervention programs, health education, and strong, cohesive community networks. Additional assessment instruments, such as the Geriatric Depression Scale, are recommended, as well as increasing the study’s sample size and geographic setting.

Human ; Depression ; Elderly