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Late life depression among elderly hypertensive patients
A J Yusuf1, M S Isa, M A Amedu
1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria.
The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|November 30, 2013
Summary
Late life depression in elderly hypertensive patients is linked to poverty and recent bereavement, not high blood pressure. These findings highlight key factors for understanding and addressing depression in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Cardiology
Background:
- Late-life depression is a significant concern in elderly populations, particularly those with chronic conditions like hypertension.
- Understanding the specific correlates of depression in hypertensive elderly individuals is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with late-life depression in elderly patients with hypertension in Zaria, Northern Nigeria.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of elderly hypertensive patients from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, were assessed.
- Utilized socio-demographic questionnaires, Consortium to Establish Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD), Geriatric Depression Scale-30 (GDS-30), and Geriatric Mental State Schedule (GMSS) AGECAT for diagnosis.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 15.
Main Results:
- The study included 179 participants (65.1% female), with a mean age of 68.23 years.
- Prevalence of late-life depression was 17.88% (ICD-10) and 20.11% (GMSS-AGECAT), showing good agreement (kappa=0.82).
- Significant correlates of depression included recent bereavement (OR=11.04), poverty (OR=4.39), and lower diastolic blood pressure (OR=7.04).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of late-life depression in this hypertensive elderly cohort is comparable to global findings.
- Poverty and bereavement are significant risk factors for depression in this population.
- Hypertension itself was not found to be a direct correlate of depression in this study, suggesting other psychosocial factors are more influential.
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