Exploring depression, comorbidities and quality of life in geriatric patients: a study utilizing the geriatric depression scale and WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire.

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of depression among older adults is a growing concern. Chronic health conditions, cognitive impairments, and hospitalizations amplify emotional distress and depression levels in this population. Assessing the quality of life is crucial for the well-being of older adults.

AIMS: Our study aimed to examine how comorbidities affect depression and quality of life in geriatric patients in both outpatient and hospital settings.

METHODS

100 patients (50 from internal medicine outpatient clinic and 50 from internal medicine ward) were included in the study according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were classified into different age groups (65-74 years, 75-84 years and ≥ 85 years). Data on patients' location of application, age, sex, living alone or with family status, number of comorbid diseases, types of accompanying diseases were recorded and WHOQOL-OLD and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) questionnaires were administered. Results were evaluated using SPSS.

RESULTS

The WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire score was higher in the 65-74 age group compared to other groups, but there was no significant difference between outpatient group and hospitalized group. Patients with comorbid diseases had lower WHOQOL-OLD questionnaire scores compared to those without comorbid diseases. In the 75-84 and ≥ 85 age groups, the GDS scores were higher compared to the 65-74 age group. In hospitalized group, GDS scores were higher than outpatient clinic group. In patients with comorbid diseases, GDS scores were higher than the ones without comorbid diseases.

DISCUSSION: Our findings indicate that quality of life is higher among those aged 65-74, with lower incidence of depression compared to other age groups. Hospitalization correlates with higher depression rates but not quality of life. As number of comorbid diseases increases in older adults, the frequency of depression rises and the quality of life declines.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection and intervention for depression are crucial for enhancing older adults' well-being.