Risk factors associated with depression among Bahraini elderly in a primary healthcare setting

Abstract AR

Background and Objectives : Studies on the prevalence and risk factors for depression among Bahraini elderly are sparse.

This study was undertaken to describe the socio-demographic characteristics and disease status associated with depression in Bahraini elderly persons attending health centers.

Subjects and Methods : This was a cross-sectional study of Bahrainis aged 60 or older attending four randomly selected health centers.

Results : A history of psychiatric illness was significantly associated with depression (P = 0.02, OR = 2.3, CI = 1.2-4.8), as was the presence of chronic diseases (P = 0.01).

The risk of depression was significantly higher among women than men OR = 4.3, 95 % CI = 2.5-7.3).

Depressive symptoms were significantly related to widowhood and divorce status (P < 0.001).

Subjects who were illiterate or of low educational level reported more depressive symptoms (P = 0.04).

In general, socially isolated elderly persons were more prone to suffer from depression (OR = 2.2, CI = 1.2-4.3).

Subjects who were providing support to their families reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms (P = 0.002).

Conclusion : Risk factors for depression identified in this population were : female gender, widowhood, divorce status, social isolation, a history of psychiatric illness, and the presence of chronic disease.

Early recognition and management of depression among the elderly with these factors is strongly recommended.