Study of Prevalence of Depression and Associated Stressors Among Geriatric Patients Attending Psychiatry Department of Kathmandu Medical College; a Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Background: Depression in old age is an important public health problem causing considerable morbidity and disability worldwide. This study aimed to establish prevalence and factors associated with geriatric depression in tertiary care center. Objective Study of prevalence of depression and associated stressors among geriatric patients attending Psychiatry Department of Kathmandu Medical College Method A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 101 elderly patients and diagnosis was made as per ICD-10 DCR criteria. GDS was used to screen depression. PSLES was used to identify various stressful life events. Data analysis was done and results were calculated. Result Study conducted among 101 elderly patients showed that depression was present in 49.5% and among 51 stressful events, nineteen were present in participants. Among 50 patients diagnosed as depression, 7 (14%) had mild, 39 (78%) had moderate, 4 (8%) had mild depression. Stressful life events were significantly associated with geriatric depression.