Association of Geriatric Depression with Biosocial Factors and Malnutrition in Rural Areas of District Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh: A Community-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Aging mainly affects human appetite, food intake, and body weight. Physiological and psycho-pharmacological pathways demonstrate variations in hunger. Bodily signs characterize Elderly Depression, al-tered eating and sleeping patterns, cognitive impairments, and low mood. Objectives: To study the prevalence of Depression and Malnutrition in the geriatric population in the rural community and to examine the association between them among the study population. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural areas of district Gautam Budh Nagar among geriatric population using a pre-designed pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In the study, the prevalence of Depression among the study participants was found to be 155(41.2%) and malnutrition was found to be in 67 (17.8 %). Among bio social characters Age (p-value-0.000), gender (p-value-0.012), marital status (p-value-0.026), physical activity (p-value-0.004), and Malnutrition (p-value-0.000) found to be significantly associated with Depression among elderly. On multiple logistic regression, physical activity [aOR 23.6; 95% CI: 11.4-48.8] and Malnutrition or its risk [aOR 0.272; 95% CI: 0.130-0.569] were significantly associated with Geriatric Depression. Conclusions: Depression is recognized to have a significant impact on nutritional health in the elderly and is a major factor in weight loss.