Factors Affecting Depression In The Elderly At Uptd Tosora Health Center
Keywords:
Depression; Elderly; Family Support; Food Intake; Health Worker SupportAbstract
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems among older adults and may negatively affect nutritional status, social functioning, quality of life, and independence. Its occurrence is frequently associated with inadequate food intake, limited professional assistance, and insufficient family involvement. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with depression among older adults at UPTD Tosora Health Center, Majauleng District, Wajo Regency. An analytical observational study with a case–control design was conducted from January to February 2022. The study population consisted of 386 older adults registered within the health center’s service area. A total of 80 respondents were selected using purposive sampling and divided equally into 40 depressed older adults as the case group and 40 non-depressed older adults as the control group. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and supporting health records. Univariate analysis was used to describe the distribution of each variable, while bivariate analysis employed 2 × 2 contingency tables, odds ratios, and significance testing at p < 0.05. The results showed that food intake was significantly associated with depression (p < 0.001; OR = 0.083). Older adults with adequate food intake had substantially lower odds of depression than those with inadequate intake. Health worker support was also significantly associated with depression (p < 0.001; OR = 0.150), while family support demonstrated a significant protective association (p = 0.001; OR = 0.183). In conclusion, adequate food intake, health worker support, and family support were significantly associated with lower odds of depression among older adults. Integrated nutritional monitoring, early depression screening, professional assistance, and active family involvement should therefore be strengthened within primary healthcare services.
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