Epidemiological profile of patients with depression in Shkoder, Albania

by. Msc. Gjon PREÇI, Prof. Asoc. Dr. Iliriana ZEKJA, Prof. Dr. Jera KRUJA, Dr. Kilda GUSHA

Abstract

Introduction Depression is a prevalent mental healthcare problem and a common cause of disability worldwide. As people age, their physical and mental health conditions begin to deteriorate. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans ages 65 and older. The aims study was to evaluate the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors in older people living in Shkodra district. Methods This is a cross-sectional study based on a mental health screening among the elderly in Shkodra district. All elderly over 60 years who accepted voluntarily to coming in community center of mental health screening and to be part of this study were recruited for at least 3 years. A standardized questionnaire which measures depression and associated factors were filled for each of them. The software SPSS version 20.0 was used for data calculation. P-values less than <5% were taken as significant. Results Over all 138 patients with depression were conducted in this study, the average was 72}11.02std, with min age 61 years old and max 92 years old. Related to the severity of depression, as mild depression resulted 37.7% of participants, moderate 42.08% and severe 20.3%. Almost 42.7% of participant were male and 57.3% were female statistic significant between them p =0.03. Regarding the living area 65.9% living in rural area and 34.1% in urban area without significant association. A significant association were seen between age, gender and sedentary living and depression in multivariate analysis. Conclusion Older adults are more vulnerable and severely affected by the mental health especially the depression. Early recognizing of problem due to depression and motivation to participating for a healthy live after retirement may improve their mental life and of quality of life.

How to cite: Preçi, G., Zekja, I., Kruja, J., & Gusha, K. (2021). Epidemiological profile of patients with depression in Shkoder, Albania. Medicus, 5(2), 83–91.

https://doi.org/10.58944/xvio9750