Screening and correlates of agoraphobic symptoms among senior citizens: A community-based cross-sectional study

Agoraphobia is "the worry of finding oneself in circumstances where leaving might be awkward or difficult, or where assistance might not be available in the event of panic symptoms." The worry is excessive compared to the situation, lasts for at least six months, and interferes with daily functioning.

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of a positive screen for agoraphobic symptoms among senior citizens and the correlates that contribute to it.

Seven hundred eighty senior citizens aged 60 years or over who lived in a rural health training center region in South Karnataka were interviewed for this cross-sectional study using a semi-structured proforma. A part of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to assess agoraphobic symptoms. For descriptive statistics, the mean, standard deviation, and proportion were employed. The correlates were evaluated using the chi-square test. Firth penalized logistic regression was used for the final multivariable analysis to address complete or quasi-complete separation and reduce small-sample bias. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs and P values were reported.

The prevalence of a positive screen for agoraphobic symptoms was 17.1% It was seen that a significant positive association was observed with increasing age, females, hypertension, locomotor disability and physical/mental abuse.

Agoraphobia appears to be poorly understood in primary mental health care systems. To improve the quality of life for the elderly, early detection through a variety of screening and treatment programs is required.