Geriatric depression in Nigerian primary care attendees

Area of Science:

• Geriatric psychiatry
• Primary care research
• Mental health in developing countries

Background:

• Geriatric depression is a significant public health concern globally.
• Limited data exists on the prevalence and correlates of depression among older adults in primary care settings in Nigeria.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of geriatric depression in two Nigerian primary care facilities.
• To identify factors associated with depression in this elderly population.
• To provide baseline data for future mental health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 202 older adults screened using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).
• Participants scoring above the GDS cut-off underwent assessment with the Geriatric Mental State schedule (GMS) for psychopathology.
• Depression diagnosis followed ICD-10 criteria and the GMS-AGECAT program.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of geriatric depression was 7.4%, with severe depression at 1.5%.
• Significant correlates of depression included very low income and self-reported poor health.
• The GMS-AGECAT program showed good agreement with ICD-10 diagnosis (k = 0.7).

Conclusions:

• This study represents the first investigation of geriatric depression in Nigerian primary care.
• The identified prevalence rates are comparable to international findings.
• Poor self-assessed health and low income are significant risk factors for depression in older Nigerians.