Assessment of Depression and Social Support in Elderly Subjects Residing in an Old Age Home: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: Depression and lack of social support, particularly in institutionalised elderly population forms a major cause of concern. The problem statement of which in the current scenario, if precisely assessed could ensure adoption of effective policies to protect and promote the health of elderly. Aim: To assess the depression status and satisfaction with social support in elderly subjects residing in old age home and then investigate the possible association between depression and social support in them. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional, questionnairebased pilot study interviewed 60 elderly subjects of either gender aged >60 years in a selected old age home in northern Kerala, India utilising standard tools like Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF) for assessment of depression and Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) for satisfaction with social support. Chi-square test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tested relation between GDS and MSPSS score groups. Intergroup analysis of percent parameters was done by one sample t-test of percent/proportion. Results: GDS scores indicated that the percentage of subjects with depression (25%) was significantly low {t (59)=4.47, p=0.001} as compared to normal subjects (75%). GDS scores showed significant negative Pearson’s correlation with MSPSS scores (r=-0.268, p=0.038). MSPSS scores indicated that a significantly higher percentage of subjects (63.3%) showed low satisfaction with family support {t(59)=2.85, p=0.006}. General satisfaction with social support was perceived only as moderate by majority (45%) of subjects. Conclusion: Although the depression status is low, it certainly varies inversely as the satisfaction with social support. However the satisfaction with family support perceived in the old age home is poor. Thus, the need for improvement of family relationships of inmates with modification of social support system arises at institutional level.

Keywords

• aged
• depressive disorder
• family relations
• friends
• personal satisfaction