Prevalence of anxiety amongst elderly people residing in old-age homes: A cross-sectional study from Sub-Himalayan Region, Uttarakhand, India

Background: Changing social structure, urbanization, industrialization and globalization of Indian society have compelled more number of elderly to stay in old age homes for safety, security, independence, companionship and support. It is clearly evident that elderly people are at increasing risk of several psychiatric morbidities, which range between 30 – 64.4% among residents of OAHs in India. However, there is paucity of regional data on clinically significant anxiety among elderly residing in OAHs. Aims: To assess the prevalence rate of anxiety and its association with selected socio-demographic characteristics of elderly people residing in selected old age homes (OAHs) of Uttarakhand, India. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly people residing in selected OAHs of Uttarakhand. Total 70 participants were selected from three different old age homes by using proportionate stratified random sampling technique and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), a standardized anxiety screening tool was used to assess the anxiety in elderly. Result: Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented using frequency and proportion distribution in cross summary tables. Chi-quire test and 95% confidence interval of proportion was used as inferential statistics. The prevalence rate of clinically significant anxiety was 24% (95%CI= 14.8,36.0%); which was significantly associated with female gender, past low employment status, abuse by family and staying in OAH due to lack of support from children (P<0.05). Conclusion: Regular assessment and adequate treatment of anxiety in residents of OAHs is essential for prevention of long-term deleterious consequences on their physical health and quality of life.