Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression Among Karen Hilltribe Elderly Population in Thailand

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Depression among older population in community has been identified as a significant problem to improve care and quality of life. Although prevalence rates for Thai older population have been established in many parts of Thailand, there are still an under-recognition of depression among ethnic minority older people in Thailand. Hence, this study aimed to investigate depression in Karen older population, one of hilltribe groups in the northern part of Thailand. The objective of the study was to find prevalence rate and associated factors related to depression in Karen hilltribe elderly in Doi-Luang district, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out in the outpatient primary care clinic of Doi-Luang hospital, a community hospital. Total 174 Karen elders aged ≥ 60 years were randomly selected and PHQ-9 was applied to assess depression by clinician researchers in the Karen version. Demographic characteristics and factors associated with depression were collected by structural questionnaire. Results: The average age of participants were 69 ± 8 years. The prevalence of depressive mood was 11.49% (95% CI 7.50 - 17.21). Binary logistic regression revealed that associated factor of depression among Karen older people was marital status (OR = 6.66, 95% CI 2.31-19.23, P<0.001). Conclusion: Depression was found to be one of mental health problems in Karen older people. A validated screening tool which considers the Karen culture and language is a useful tool for the detection of depression in the ethnic group elderly leading to its prevention and provision of care.