Hopelessness, depression levels and associated factors in elderly individuals

Aim: This study aims to determine hopelessness, depression levels and associated factors in individuals over the age of 65. Materials and Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Family Health Center No. 1 located in the center of Muğla. The data collection period for the study was between September 2023 and September 2024. The population of the study consisted of 2528 individuals aged 65 and over, registered in the population of 5 Family Medicine Units at Muğla Central Family Health Center No. 1. The sample size in the study is 375. The data in the study were collected using the 'Personal Information Form', the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale, prepared by the researchers based on the literature. SPSS 22.0 statistical package program was used for data analysis. The data were evaluated in a computer environment. At the beginning of the study, ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee for Non-Interventional Clinical Research of Aydın Adnan Menderes University Health Sciences Institute. Institutional permission and written informed consent from the participants were obtained, and participation in the research was based on volunteerism. Permission was obtained for the use of the 'Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-15)' and the 'Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)' used in the study. Results: The participants' mean scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form and the Beck Hopelessness Scale were found to be 4.28±3.15 (3.00) and 7.21±6.27 (5.00), respectively. It was observed that the Geriatric Depression Scale scores and the Beck Hopelessness Scale scores differed according to the participants' educational status, marital status, income status, and the people they live with. Conclusion: It was found that the levels of hopelessness and depression of the elderly participants were affected by their personal characteristics. Based on the findings, it is recommended to conduct more comprehensive studies with different sample groups on the subject, to implement various intervention and support methods to cope with hopelessness and depression, and to support the elderly in expressing their feelings. Keywords: Aging, Depression, Hopelessness, Nursing, Old age.