Prevalence of Depression in Elderly Patients With Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and explore the association between MDD and OA severity. Additionally, the impact of depression on OA prognosis and treatment outcomes was examined.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Rehabilitation Clinic from April 2022 to December 2023, including patients aged 50 years and older with OA. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrolment. OA severity was classified using the Kellgren and Lawrence grading system as Grade 1 (n = 20,25.6%), Grade 2 (n = 42,53.8%), and Grade 3 (n = 16,20.5%). Depression prevalence and severity were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

78 OA patients (mean age: 60.35 ± 7.28 years) participated. Depression was prevalent in 83.3%, with a mean depression score of 18.14 ± 8.69. The most frequently reported symptoms were somatic anxiety, psychiatric anxiety, and depressed mood. Depression was more common and severe in females, particularly housewives. Patients with concurrent knee and spine OA exhibited greater depression severity than those with a single affected site. Notably, depression scores significantly improved following the OA treatment (p-value: 0.045).

The high prevalence of depression among elderly OA patients highlights the need for routine depression screening and management in OA care. Given the significant association between depression severity and OA type, addressing mental health concerns may enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life in this population. Future research should further investigate the long-term impact of depression on OA prognosis and treatment response.