Linkage of Depression with Elder Abuse among Institutionalized Older Persons in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

To identify the association between elderly abuse and depression among elderly living in old age homes of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 old age homes of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The Geriatric Mistreatment Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale were used to collect information from 220 elderly aged 65 or above, and face-to-face interviews were conducted. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the association between elderly abuse and geriatric depression.

Among the different types of abuse analyzed, the multivariate analysis showed that neglect (AOR = 2.995; CI: 1.249-7.181) and economical abuse (AOR = 4.728, CI: 1.836-12.173) were significantly associated with increased risk of geriatric depression. Furthermore, the study identified that future saving and absence of chronic disease significantly reduced the risk of psychological abuse, neglect, and geriatric depression.

Neglect and economical abuse are a predictor of geriatric depression. Efforts should be directed to increase awareness about the different forms of abuse among the primary caregivers of the elderly. Counseling services and support programs should be introduced in old age homes to address the high burden of geriatric depression.