Chronic disease, disability and depression in rural older peopleas a problem of co-morbidity

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chronic disease, physical disability and depression in rural older people. Subjects and Methods: This descriptive study was made in Corum-Turkey 2013 with108 individuals aged 65 and over residing in a village. The data were obtained from a questionnaire form with 25 item and Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Elderly individuals of the 83.3% had at least one chronic disease and 18.5% of had physical disability and 60.2% of were determined "exact" depression. With the presence of chronic illness and perceived health status between depression scores there was determined statistically a significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusions: In our study, we determined chronic disease in four of every five older individuals and physical disability in one of every five. The mean score of depression in elderly was 15.66 ± 5.33. It was seen that depression prevalence was very high (78.2%) in elderly. Chronic diseases and physical disabilities were co morbid for depression.It was suggested that utilization of health care services should be improved in rural. Also healthy aging programs in rural should be implement to identify, treat and assess depressed people with co morbid issues.