Prevalence and related factors of depression among the elderly in Indonesia

Abstract

Depression was the leading cause of disability in the world in 2015 according to the World Health organization (WHO). In 2015, the WHO estimated that 7% of elderly people suffered from depression. Demographic factors, such as being female, having a lower educational status, and having a low socioeconomic status were associated with a higher likelihood of having depressive symptoms. Other health-related factors, such as low self-rated health, and a greater number of chronic conditions were also associated with depression. In terms of social factors, elderly people with lower community support, fewer social or religious activities were more likely to suffer from depression. Poor sleep quality was also found to be associated with depression and other mental disorders. 8 Indonesia, the 4 most populated country in the world, had 22 million elderly in 2015, an increase of 52.7% from year 2000. As the population ages, the government has placed more resources on elderly care, such as in improving elderly health insurance and welfare. While most research on elderly health was concerned with chronic conditions and functional ability, little information was available regarding elderly depression. Prior researcher have identified poverty status as factors associated with depression. More research and understanding concerning elderly depression in Indonesia and in other developing countries are needed.