The prevalence and affecting factors of depression symptoms in geriatrics that live in elazig centre

The prevalence of depression symptoms in the old is high. This condition is an important public health problem in terms of both risk factors and its results. This study was carried out in order to determine the relationships betweeen the prevalence and affecting factors of depression symptoms in the old in Elazığ province.This sectional-type study was carried oyu on 630 people living in Elazığ at the age of 65 and over. Sample group was chosen from family determination cards available in 18 primary care unit in Elazığ making use to randomize number ruler. A survey in which there is Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was applied to the old included in the sample group with reciprocal interview.50.5 % of the old included in the scope of the study are female and 49.5 % of them are male; their average age is 71.28±5,45; per capite monthly income in the family is 215.30±127.24 YTL. 70.2% of the old are married, 29.8% are widow/divorced, 59.0% are illiterate, and 7.3% do not have a social insurance. The average GDS point of the old 11.71±5.35 ( min:2, max:27 points ). According to GDS cutting point, the rate of the prevalence of depression symptoms is 34.6%. the prevalence of depression symptoms is high in older ages, widows/the divorced people; the ones with a lower level education, with a lower per capita income, perceiving their socio-economical level lower, who do not have social insurance, living alone, without the support of their children, having bad relationships with their relatives, with limited movemnet ability and having sleeping problems, in addition, the ones stating that they expose violence ( p<0.05). Gender, body mass index (BMI), the number of children, the condition of having a chronic ilness or not, having a hobby do not affcet the prevalence of depression symptoms ( p>0.05 ).Consequently; the prevalence of depression symptoms in the old in Elazığ is high. With multidisciplinar approach, protective treatment and rehabilitation services should be organized by evaluating the risk factors related to depression in the old.Key Words: The old, depression, risk factors.