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Seyed Reza Hosseini1 
, Nasrin Amini1 , Ali Bijan1 , Reza Ghadimi1 , Neda Ahangari1 , Mahbobeh Faramarzi * 2
, Nasrin Amini1 , Ali Bijan1 , Reza Ghadimi1 , Neda Ahangari1 , Mahbobeh Faramarzi * 2
1- Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran.
2- Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran. ,mahbob330@yahoo.com
2- Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Iran. ,
Abstract: (160 Views)
Objectives: Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Given the increasing population of the elderly in today's societies, it is crucial to identify factors influencing the course of depression.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on data from 800 participants in the first and second phases of the Amirkola Elderly Cohort. Demographic questionnaires, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were used. Data were analyzed using t-tests and regression analysis with SPSS v.26 software (P<0.05).
Results: The prevalence of depression decreased from 39.20% in the first phase to 35.20% in the second phase (P=0.001). However, the severity of depression in the first phase was mild (25.50%), moderate (9.50%), and severe (4.25%), while in the second phase it was mild (23.75%), moderate (7.25%), and severe (4.25%), showing no significant change. Notably, 20.40% of the elderly developed significant depressive symptoms over five years, and in 58.20% of patients, depression remained stable from the first phase (P<0.001). Two risk factors for worsening depressive symptoms over five years were being male and having a lower level of education.
Conclusion: Depression symptoms appear in one-fifth of the elderly, and in half of the elderly, depression symptoms remain stable after five years. These findings emphasize the importance of timely and preventive interventions along with regular screenings and referral of the elderly to mental specialists, which can prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of depression symptoms over time.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on data from 800 participants in the first and second phases of the Amirkola Elderly Cohort. Demographic questionnaires, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) were used. Data were analyzed using t-tests and regression analysis with SPSS v.26 software (P<0.05).
Results: The prevalence of depression decreased from 39.20% in the first phase to 35.20% in the second phase (P=0.001). However, the severity of depression in the first phase was mild (25.50%), moderate (9.50%), and severe (4.25%), while in the second phase it was mild (23.75%), moderate (7.25%), and severe (4.25%), showing no significant change. Notably, 20.40% of the elderly developed significant depressive symptoms over five years, and in 58.20% of patients, depression remained stable from the first phase (P<0.001). Two risk factors for worsening depressive symptoms over five years were being male and having a lower level of education.
Conclusion: Depression symptoms appear in one-fifth of the elderly, and in half of the elderly, depression symptoms remain stable after five years. These findings emphasize the importance of timely and preventive interventions along with regular screenings and referral of the elderly to mental specialists, which can prevent the occurrence or exacerbation of depression symptoms over time.
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