Depression and its associated factors among elderly: A community-based study in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Depression among the elderly constitutes a major public health concern that attracts worldwide attention. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among community dwelling elderly.

METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytic component was carried out in both urban and rural areas of Mansoura District during the period from October 1 to December 31, 2016. The target population is elderly aged 60 years or more of both genders. A total sample of 487 elderly was selected by systematic random sample from family files kept at Family Health Units. The response rate was 97.9%.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depression was 44.4%. Urban residence, insomnia, being a woman, life stressors, disturbed marital life, dependent old adults and absence of religiosity are the main independent predictors of depression among elder people.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provide an alarming signal for health professionals and health policy maker in Egypt for the need of a better recognition of depressive symptoms in elderly.