Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression in Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases in Primary Care Unit, Khon Kaen Province
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64960/srimedj.v40i5.265947Keywords:
depression, elderly, chronic diseases, primary care unitAbstract
Background and objective: The prevalence of depression among elderly individuals in Thailand in 2025 was 0.08 percent. However, this prevalence demonstrated a notable increase among elderly populations with chronic diseases in Thailand, reaching 22-37 percent. Depression may significantly impact the quality of life and healthcare management of elderly individuals. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and factors associated with depression in elderly patients with chronic diseases receiving care at primary healthcare facilities in Khon Kaen Province.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 patients aged 60 years or older with chronic diseases who received care at primary healthcare units in Khon Kaen Province. Data were collected using questionnaires that assessed personal information, physical health, health behaviors, activities of daily living, the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9), and family and social health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results: Two hundred ninety-eight patients were recruited. The response rate was 99.3%, with 69.8% female (208 individuals). The prevalence of depression among the participants was 13.8%. Significant factors associated with depression included poor health status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.05, 95% CI = 1.91 - 13.20), family conflict (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.16 - 8.52), and lack of participation in social activities (AOR = 4.73, 95% CI = 1.89 - 11.86).
Conclusion: Approximately one in seven elderly patients with chronic diseases receiving services at primary care units experiences depression. The statistically significant factors influencing depression were poor health status, family conflict, and lack of participation in social activities. Therefore, public health personnel should prioritize screening, prevention, assessments, and management of depression in elderly patients with chronic diseases, especially in those having health and/or social problems.
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