Abstract
BACKGROUND: The study aimed to examine the association between anxiety and selected sociodemographic variables (SDV), among elderly residents in old age homes in the Western Maharashtra. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between pre-test anxiety scores and SDV, including age, gender, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, and health conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used, involving elderly individuals in selected old age homes. Data were collected using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory and structured questionnaires on SDV. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to explore relationships between anxiety scores and SDV. RESULTS: A significant association was found between anxiety and demographic factors such as education (χ² = 20.842, P = 0.0076), monthly income (χ² = 11.311, P = 0.0035), and contact with family members (χ² = 16.773, P = 0.0102). CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic variables significantly influence anxiety levels among elderly residents in old age homes, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address the specific mental health needs of different demographic groups.