Clinicopsychological Profile of Geriatrics Patient Visiting the Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Center of Western Uttar Pradesh: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

The geriatric population is highly vulnerable to both clinical and psychological comorbidities; the psychological health of geriatric patients remains underassessed, particularly in government outpatient department (OPD) settings where multiple chronic illnesses, low socioeconomic status, and hospitalization disrupt emotional well-being.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence and association of chronic diseases with depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and sleep quality in elderly patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients aged ≥60 years attending the medicine OPD. Geriatric depression scale (GDS-15), generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scales were used to assess psychological status. Clinical parameters and recent hospitalization history were also recorded.

RESULTS

Hypertension (45%), diabetes (35%), and osteoarthritis (25%) were the most prevalent chronic illnesses. Mild depression (56%), mild anxiety (45%), cognitive impairment (45%), and poor sleep quality (78%) were common. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was significantly correlated with depression (p = 0.008), diabetes with cognitive decline (p = 0.002), and recent hospitalization with cognitive scores (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the need for integrated psychological assessment and intervention in geriatric medicine, even in resource-constrained OPD environments. Chronic illnesses such as CAD and diabetes significantly affect psychological well-being in elderly patients. Routine psychological screening is essential in OPDs.