Burden and factors associated with depression symptoms among older adults in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Depression is one of the most significant contributors to disability across the world, and it is particularly prevalent in older people due to a variety of factors, including chronic illness, loss of function, and social isolation. The general population in Saudi Arabia is getting progressively older; however, data on geriatric depression are scarce by region. This study aimed to assess the burden and factors associated with depression symptoms among older adult residents in Madinah.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among geriatric patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from June 1 to August 31, 2025. Information was obtained from respondents through interviews. Statistical significance was considered when the P value was less than 0.05. Due to the cross-sectional design, causal relationships cannot be inferred.

A total of 322 older adults were enrolled; most were male, married, and aged 60-70 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (GDS-15 ≥5) was 52.5% (95% CI: 47.0%-57.9%). In bivariate analyses, higher depression scores were significantly associated with older age, female sex, widowed status, lower education and income, living alone, poorer self-rated health, physical inactivity, ADL difficulties, polypharmacy, and the presence of chronic diseases (all p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis identified unemployment (OR = 7.66), having no chronic disease (OR = 10.62), taking no medications (OR = 3.93), poor self-rated health (OR = 0.18 for excellent health), and physical inactivity (OR = 0.15 for daily exercise) as independent predictors of depression. Lower LSNS-6 scores (greater social isolation) were also significantly associated with older age, female sex, living alone, selected chronic conditions, polypharmacy, poorer self-rated health, lower physical activity, and greater functional limitation (all p < 0.05).

Depression is a significant health problem affecting more than half of older adults in Madinah. Unemployment, physical inactivity, poor self-rated health, and having no chronic disease are independent correlates. Widowed status, female sex, older age, and low socioeconomic status were also associated in bivariate analyses. These findings underscore the need for early detection, integrated care, and culturally tailored interventions to promote mental health and quality of life in Saudi Arabia's aging population.