Abstract

Introduction: Depression and low quality of life are severe conditions that lead to disability and mortality, common in high and low-resourced countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess geriatric depression, quality of life, and associated factors among elderly persons in the low resourced country.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was used from March to April 2020. Standardized and pre-tested geriatric depression scale (GDS) and World Health Organization Quality Of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF was used to assess depression and quality of life, respectively. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select woreda and study participants. Epi-data version 4.3 and SPSS version 23 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable in logistic regression analysis was done, and significance was obtained at the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value <0.05.

Results: A total of 822 elderly persons participated in face to face interviewed-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of geriatric depression and poor quality of life was 54.5% and 51.8%, respectively. Advanced age, single participants, not having a formal education, living alone, and having chronic diseases were significantly associated with both the depression symptoms and low overall WHOQOL-BREF. Depression was correlated with low quality of life.

Conclusion: We found that elderly persons have a high risk of depression symptoms and a low quality of life. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health should develop psychological interventions, providing ongoing education for the elderly, and monitoring the health of the elderly population to address the specific needs of elderly persons who have been impacted by the aging process.

Keywords: Geriatric depression, quality of life, associated factors, North Shoa Zone