Background: Prevalence of mental disorders such as
depression in the elderly is rising with the ageing
population. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence
of depression, their intention to seek help and the factors
associated to seek professional help among elderly patients
in a primary care clinic.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional with systematic
sampling conducted from June to December 2019 in
Tengkera Health Clinic (THC). Patient Health Questionnaire9 (PHQ-9), socioeconomic data and a dichotomous yes-no
response for intention to seek help was collected from 273
elderly patients attending the outpatient clinic.
Results: The prevalence of elderly depression at THC was
10.3% and the prevalence of intention to seek professional
help for depression among elderly patients at Tengkera
Health Clinic was 27.5%. Factors that were associated with
intention to seek professional help for depression were prior
experience of seeking professional help, adjusted OR
3.45[95%CI (1.41-8.48)] and education level of the
respondents- secondary education, adjusted OR 3.10
[95%CI (1.01-9.53)] comparing with no formal education;
tertiary education, adjusted OR 4.66 [95%CI (1.08-20.04)]
comparing with no formal education.
Conclusion: The prevalence of elderly depression was high
while the prevalence of intention to seek professional help
for depression in the sample population was low. Primary
care physicians play a vital role in identifying elderly
patients with low education level for screening and
treatment as well as promoting awareness and breaking
down barriers and stigma towards mental illness.