Influence of Selected Sociodemographic and Health Factors on the Prevalence of Depression in the Elderly

Introduction. Depression is part of the so-called grand geriatric syndromes, which have a significant impact on the daily life of older people. Aim. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of depression in elderly people living in a rural environment and to demonstrate the relationship between selected sociodemographic, health and functional disability variables and the prevalence of depression. Material and Methods. The study involved 329 women, 175 men aged 66 to 94 years (avg. 77.41) living in a rural environment in one of the Podkarpackie municipalities. The research was conducted by means of a diagnostic survey and direct observation. The following research tools were used: Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS), Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Barthel Scale, Lawton Scale and an original interview questionnaire. Results. Normal emotional state as assessed by the GDS scale was found in 299 study participants. Moderate depression was detected in 151 study participants and severe depression in 45. Statistical analysis showed that moderate depression was more common in women than in men (p<0.05) and normal state less common (p<0.01). In addition, a correlation was found between the age of the respondents, education, number of diseases and independence in performing basic and complex life activities and the occurrence of depression (<0.001). Conclusions. Depression was present in almost two-fifths of the surveyed elderly rural residents. Sociodemographic factors influencing the prevalence of depression in elderly people living in rural areas were female gender, older age and low educational level. In addition, greater severity of depressive symptoms was present in subjects with circulatory insufficiency, atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, prostatic hypertrophy, Alzheimer’s disease and post-stroke. The presence of depression in elderly people living in rural areas significantly affected their functional and cognitive decline. (JNNN 2025;14(4):165–170)