Rate and correlates of depression among elderly people attending primary health care centres in Al Dakhiliyah governorate, Oman

ABSTRACT

This study determined the rates and correlates of depression among community-dwelling elderly people, based on data from the comprehensive health assessment conducted in Al-Dakhiliyah governorate in Oman in 2008-2010. Data covered sociodemographic characteristics, medical and nutrition status, functional abilities, depression and dementia. The rate of depression was 16.9%, higher among women than men [19.3% versus 14.3%]. Depression was independently predicted by the presence of social risk [OR = 3.44], dementia [OR = 3.17], impairment in activities of daily living [OR - 2.19], joint problems [OR -1.52] and mobility restriction [OR = 1.43]. If dementia was excluded from the model, depression was additionally predicted by poor perception of health [OR = 2.09], impairment in instrumental activities of daily living [OR -1.47] and older ages of 70-< 80 years [OR -1.63] and > 80 years [OR -1.75]. Although not presenting as a complaint, depression in not uncommon among elderly people