Assessment of depression Older Residents at Nursing Homes in Al-Najaf City

Abstract

Background: Depression is abnormal elaboration of sadness and grief. It ranges from short episodes of sadness to a full blower illness requiring psychiatric intervention. Objectives: To assess depressive symptoms among the elderly residents in nursing homes in Al-Najaf city. As well as to find out the relationship between the depressive symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A descriptive-analytic study is carried out at nursing home residence in Al-Najaf city from 1st November 2013 to 6th May 2014. A non-probability (convenience) sample of (30) elderly, were included in the study. The data are collected, by direct interview with each individual consists of two parts: First part socio-demographic data form that consist 9-items; two part Geriatric Depression Scale- Short Version. (GDS-15). Results: The study shows elderly depression distributed differently among Geriatric Depression Scale (14) 46.7 % mild depression and (12) 40% had high depression. Also the study indicates that is no significant relation between variables and the depression symptoms. Conclusion: The elderly suffering from mild depression according to the Geriatric Depression Scale.