Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rapid changes seen in India's family systems result in intense psychological problems among the elderly. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health disorders, and there is an urgent need to promote mental health in the elderly. Urbanisation and modernisation are considered to influence the mental health of the elderly. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression and assess selected associated risk factors in the elderly population attending urban family care centres. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two urban family care centres. A sample of 253 consecutive patients aged above 60 years were screened for anxiety and depression using standardised scales, namely GAD-7 and GDS-15. Selected socio-demographic and clinical risk factors were assessed using researcher-prepared tools. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. RESULTS: The study reported a prevalence of 63.6% for anxiety and 52.6% for depression. Anxiety was significantly higher among females and those living in a not elderly friendly environment. Geriatric depression was significantly higher among females and those who were dependent, living in rented houses, having no emotional support, living in a not elderly friendly environment, having no recreation, and with low/mild IADL functions. CONCLUSION: A higher prevalence of geriatric anxiety and depression was reported in the study. Gender, education, environment, and support are some of the important associated risk factors identified. Periodic screening and management of mental health problems among urban elderly are a great need and challenge in primary and family care settings.