Author/Authors :
Moradi، Fariba نويسنده Shiraz Geriatric Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Joulaei، Hassan نويسنده Health Policy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IRAN , , Saffari، Masuomeh نويسنده Shiraz Geriatric Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Zare، Najaf نويسنده Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , , Fallah Zadeh، Mohammad-Hossein نويسنده Department of Nephrology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran ,
Abstract :
Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the
prevalence of depression symptoms and the effect of various
demographic characteristics on its severity in an elderly
population in Fars province, southern Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during May
and September 2009. A sample of 1461 men and women, aged
more than 60 years were selected using a multistage stratified
random sampling method. Levels of depression symptoms were
measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Data
were analyzed using SPSS software. Also, analysis of variance
(ANOVA) and correlation analysis were performed to find the
correlation between the variables and GDS score.
Results: Overall, 1443 people completed the questionnaire. The
prevalence of the symptoms mild to moderate depression (GDS:
5-10) was 51.1%, while that of severe depression symptoms (GDS
> 10) was 19.7%. There were significant relationships between
sex, marital status, educational level, occupation, residential
place and the GDS scores.
Conclusion: The prevalence of depression symptoms was high
among the elderly in Fars Province. Therefore, if properly trained,
primary care teams could help these patients.
