Investigation Of The Relationship Between Disability And Depression In Elderlies Staying in A Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: This descriptive study aims to identify the relationship between disability and depression, and the affecting factors in patients aged 65 and over staying in a physical therapy and rehabilitation hospital. Methods: The study was conducted with 144 elderly patients aged 65 and over who were treated in a physical therapy and rehabilitation centre. The data were collected using the descriptive data form, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ). Results: The depression score averages were found to be high for the elderly patients who were aged between 73 and 76 (22.531±10.800), were not literate (21.635±11.784), were workers (20.200±6.088), had extended families (23.542±12.707), had a low level of income (x=21.833), had diseases for a long time (23.491±13.539), and were single and living alone (x=23.320). An increase in patients' education level, having an extended family, and having low income levels were determined to increase disability score averages, and this difference was found to be significant. According to the results, as disability score averages increase, depression score averages also increase significantly (r=0.205; p=0.014<0.05). Conclusion: The relationship between disability and depression in the elderly should be evaluated frequently since it affects the treatment and care processes. The elderly who are living alone, have extended families and a low income level should be monitored and supported for depression and disability. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]