Quality of life, depression frequency, i̇ndependence in daily life activities and related factors among 65 age and over i̇nviduals living in Bitlis province center

Purpose: In old age, a healthy and quality life is important. Dependence in daily life activities and depression affect the quality of life in elderly individuals. The aim of this study is examining quality of life, depression incidence, independence in activities of daily living, and relevant factors in individuals over 65 year elderly persons. Material and Method: The cross-sectional research universe is 354 people aged 65 and over who live in the city center of Bitlis. The study was conducted using socio-demographic questions, as well as World Health Organization Quality of Life Module for the Old (WHOQOL-OLD), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, and Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance were used in statistical analyses. Bonferroni corrected Mann Whitney U test was used as post hoc test. Results: The research group consist; 40.4% of male and 59.6% of female. According to the quality of life total score; educational background, monthly income, diet, health assessment, pain condition, physical activity, leisure time, usage of mobile phone, independence, and depression affect quality of life in the elderly persons (p<0.05). While 27.7% of the elderly are dependent on daily life activities, 72.3% are independent. 55.1% of the elderly persons are definitely at the level of depression. Conclusion: Independence and depression are among the major problems in the elderly person and this is related to their quality of life. Strong public health policies and interventions are needed to prevent these problems. Keywords: Quality of life, independence in activities of daily living, depression, elderly.