RESUMO
Background: WHO-Five-Well-being Index (WHO-5) is an uncomplicated questionnaire used to appraise subjective well-being. This study was conducted to determine the validity and internal consistency of WHO-5 in the appraisal of depression among elderly and establish the agreement between GDS-15 and WHO-5. Methods: After obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee, a cross-sectional study was conducted for 6 months in an urban slum on elderly persons aged ≥60 years, with consent. A pre-designed and semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the information. WHO-5 was used to assess depression. It was translated to local language and then back translated. To confirm the diagnosis of major depression, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was adopted. The relationship between WHO-5 mean scores and the grading of depression as per Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-15) was determined. Results: A total of 218 study participants were included, of which 44 (20.18%) were depressed. Mean raw WHO-5 score was 14.80 ± 5.14. WHO-5 demonstrated a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha=0.85). The concurrent validity while considering MINI was gold standard was good. Those found to be normal when subjected to MINI had a significantly lower score (15.28 ± 5.2) when compared to those diagnosed as depressed (7.46 ± 4.31) [t=8.728, df=218, p<0.0001]. When convergent validity was assessed, a good correlation was found between GDS-15 and WHO-5 (r=0.68, p<0.0001). Conclusions: WHO-5 is a valid and reliable tool to assess depression among elderly. The elderly who present to health centres may be subjected to screening of depression and well-being, using WHO-5.
RESUMO
Background: Aging is a progressive stage beginning with conception and ending with death. Growth in the elderly population has led to an increase in age related diseases and mainly depression affecting quality of life. Depression in old age is an emerging public health problem leading to morbidity and disability worldwide. Aims & Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression in elderly using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), to determine the factors influencing depression and recommend preventive measures. Material and Methods: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study was conducted in the urban slums, field practice area of Community Medicine attached to a tertiary care hospital. Study was done for six months in the urban slums and persons aged ≥ 60 years residing in the urban slums were included. Those with any psychiatric morbidity and without consent were excluded. A pre-designed, pre-tested proforma was used to collect information. GDS was used to assess depression Results: Prevalence of depression was 29.36%. Females (31.39%) were more affected than males (25.93%). 41 (64.06%) among those who were not working were depressed. 45 (70.31%) among illiterates were depressed compared to 19 (29.69%) literates (X2=6.664, df=1, p=0.0098, NS). (64.06%) among those not working, (60.93%) elderly belonging to low socioeconomic status and (54.69%) indulging in substance abuse had depression. Conclusion: Depression in elderly is highly prevalent. Quality health care of the elderly reduces the future burden of diseases and disabilities.