Comparison of depression among the elderly in a selected semiurban and rural community of Haryana, North India: A cross-sectional survey

Background: Depression in the elderly is one of the most common rising mental health problems worldwide. The prevalence of geriatric depression is relatively sparse as per the epidemiological studies conducted in the Indian setting. Aim: The present study compares the depression among the elderly in a selected semiurban and rural community of North India. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted among 400 elderly in a selected semiurban and rural community setting of North India. The participants were included as per the predetermined criteria using a convenient sampling method. Geriatric depression scale 15 Hindi version (GDS-15) was used for the assessment of depression. Results: The overall prevalence of geriatric depression (GDS-15 score >5) was found to be 10.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.8–13.8). Of the 400 individuals, the proportion of the elderly who were at risk of developing depression was higher in the rural area (46.19%; 95% CI: 39.5–52.9) as compared to the semiurban area (22.1%; 95% CI: 16.79–28.53). The presence of chronic illness had an independent association with depression in the elderly residing in the rural setup (adjusted OR: 3.584; 95% CI: 1.399–9.178). Conclusion: The study showed a significantly higher burden of depression in rural geriatric population as compared to the semiurban setting. Considering the rapidly increasing population of older aged people in India, epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of depression form the mainstay for proper health planning.