A Study to Assess Depression and Social Support among Older Persons in Selected Community Areas at Kancheepuram District

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimated that the overall prevalence rate of depressive disorders among elderly generally caries between 10% and 20% depending on cultural situations. Depression and Social support among 70 older persons in Potheri Village, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram District, were assessed. Quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was used for the study.J.A.Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess Depression and Perceived Social Support Scale developed by Karim Ahmed et.al(2012) to assess Social Support. Among the older persons, 42(60%) of them had mild depression and 68(97.1%) of them had Moderate Social support. There was significant association between the demographic variable previous occupation and level of Depression among older persons. There was significant association between the demographic variable religion and level of social support among older persons. Study results concluded there was a negative correlation between the variables Social support and Depression