Relationship of hypertension with frailty and depression in elderly individuals accommodated in post-earthquake temporary living centers: A case-control study

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between hypertension, frailty and depression in elderly individuals sheltered in temporary living centers after the earthquake. Material and Method: This case-control study was conducted between November 15, 2024, and June 15, 2025. The study included 224 elderly individuals living in temporary living centers in Malatya city center, selected through power analysis. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Frail Frailty Scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Percentage, correlation, regression, independent samples t-test, and Kruskall Wallis test were used to analyze the data. P<0.05 was selected as the margin of error. Results: Of the elderly individuals who participated in the study, 63.8% were male, 68.3% were married, 45.1% had income equal to expenses, 68.8% had severe damage to their homes, and 59.8% were on regular medication. It was found that the mean depression (2.16±1.09) and frailty scores (9.08±2.79) were higher in the case group than in the control group. The mean frailty score of the control group was 1.50±1.39, and the mean depression scale score was 8.64±2.71. The risk of frailty was 0.475 times higher in the case group than in the control group, and the risk of depression was 0.886 times higher (p<0.05). A positive, statistically significant correlation was found between the depression and frailty levels of the elderly individuals in the case group (r: 0.565, p: 0.000). In the study, it was determined that the presence of hypertension had an effect on the level of depression and frailty (p=0.000). Conclusion: The presence of hypertension in older adults has been found to have a significant impact on depression and frailty levels. It is recommended that public health nurses prioritize those with hypertension among older adults living in temporary living centers; assess their frailty and depression levels to determine their risk status; and plan appropriate preventive health services and interventions accordingly. Key: Earthquake, Elderly, Hypertension, Frailty, Depression