Depressive symptoms among senior citizens in Baijanath Rural Municipality, Nepal: a community-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Depression among senior citizens is a growing public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where aging populations often experience multiple socio-economic and health-related vulnerabilities. In Nepal, community-based evidence on geriatric depression, especially in rural areas, remains limited. This study aimed to assess the frequency of depressive symptoms and to identify associated factors among senior citizens residing in rural communities of Nepal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 senior citizens (aged ≥ 60 years) residing in Baijanath Rural Municipality. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire where Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Bivariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to identify factors associated with geriatric depression. Results were presented as the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), where statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: More than half (52.70%, 95% CI: 46.00%–59.30%) of the study participants exhibited depressive symptoms. The factors significantly associated with depression included Janajati ethnicity (aOR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18–0.93), poor economic status (1st and 2nd quintiles: aOR = 2.99 and 2.89, respectively), presence of multiple morbidities (aOR: 6.44; 95% CI: 2.51–16.53), and impaired physical functioning (aOR: 3.25; 95% CI: 1.09–9.60). No significant associations were found between depressive symptoms and the alcohol or tobacco used by their offspring. Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial burden of depressive symptoms among senior citizens residing in a rural community of Nepal and highlights key associated factors, including economic hardship, multimorbidity, and physical dependency. Targeted interventions focusing on chronic disease management, physical rehabilitation, and economic support are critical to improving mental health among senior citizens in rural settings.