Depression in Elderly and its Relationship to some Variables

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to assess depression in elderly and find out the relationship of depression with their demographic characteristics. Methodology: A descriptive design study was carried out for elderly persons who attendant to the Public Clinics in Baghdad City during 1st July 2010 to 1st June 2011. A purposive [non probability] sample of [50] persons was selected from the public clinics in Baghdad City. The data was collected through the constructed questionnaire and filling by interview. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistical approach [frequency and percentage] and inferential data analysis approach [chi- square]. Results: The finding of the study was indicated that the large number of the elderly suffered from mild level of depression and it was a significant association between the depressed level and some variables. Recommendation: The study is recommended that do more researches because of they need to recognize and understand all aspects of elderly people with depression and mentally ill for help those people and get treatment.