RESUMO
Background Depression is considered one of the most common psychiatric disorders that affects more than 260 million people in all age groups worldwide. Yet, among the geriatric population, in which it can show nonspecific symptoms, depression can be easily underdiagnosed. The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of depression among the geriatric population in primary healthcare centers and to estimate the effects of different sociodemographic and medical factors. Methodology A total of 408 patients aged 60 years or older were approached in the primary healthcare centers of the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, patients were either interviewed or filled the questionnaire by themselves. Questions about sociodemographic data and medical and medication histories were included in the questionnaire. Results Of the 408 participants, 173 (42.4%) reported depressive symptoms; 115 (28.2%) of the participants had mild depression, 50 (12.3%) had moderate depression, and 8 (2%) reported moderately severe depression. Correlates of depression included elderly patients aged 75 years or more, of whom 78.9% showed depression compared to 39.3% of those who were 60-65 years old (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the female elderly showed higher rates of depression compared to males (52.8% vs. 35.7%; P = 0.001). A reported 81.1% of the elderly were diagnosed with chronic diseases; approximately half of them were depressed, while only 32.9% of the elderly free of diseases were depressed (P = 0.001). Conclusions The prevalence of depression is high among the elderly in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia, especially in those who complain of chronic diseases, older patients, and females. Screening for depression must be employed early to manage depressive symptoms and prevent further complications.
RESUMO
Background Communities hold different opinions toward mentally ill people and treat them negatively, irrespective of their behavior. Differences in beliefs can impact not only affected individuals but the entire network and opportunities. This study aimed to examine beliefs about mental illness among different populations of the Saudi community. Methodology This descriptive study was conducted among 840 participants from several groups (different family roles, professions, medical and non-medical students, educated and uneducated, etc.) aged 18-75 years in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Information regarding participants' demographics and beliefs toward mental illness was collected through validated measures. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Data analysis showed that individuals over the age of 30 years believed that mental illness is socially dysfunctional, incurable, and a subject of embarrassment. Married couples also considered mental illness to be socially dysfunctional and a subject of embarrassment. Similarly, unemployed participants had more negative views of mental illness than working individuals and students. Furthermore, educators and other professionals believed that mental illness is more socially dysfunctional than healthcare providers. In addition, community groups with a history of mental illness stated that mental illness is incurable. In the family context, grandparents' beliefs toward mental illness were more negative than other family members' views. Conclusions This study highlights the diversity in beliefs about mental illness among different groups of Arab society. The influence of poor knowledge, religious beliefs, and subjective attitudes should be explored further, and anti-stigma interventions should be implemented to increase community awareness about mental illness.
