Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among older adults: A cross‐sectional population‐based study

Abstract

Despite population aging and the increase in mental health problems, studies on the mental health of older people in developing countries are lacking. This population-based crosssectional study estimated the prevalence and associated factors for depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among older adults in Nepal. Community-dwelling older adults (N = 794) were interviewed using a questionnaire which consisted of the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; and a wide range of sociodemographic, health-related, and lifestyle characteristics; functional ability, social support, participation in social activities, and adverse life events. The prevalence of symptoms was 15.4% for depression, 18.1% for anxiety, and 12.1% for stress. Risk factors for symptoms included female gender, working in agriculture, lower household wealth, perceived poor health, smoking, chronic conditions, migration of adult children, and exposure to adverse life events. Receiving an allowance, physical exercise, functional ability, social support, and participation in social activities were found to have protective effects. The findings indicate the need for community-based interventions, including appropriate diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, and mental health promotion programs targeting the risk and protective factors.

Perceived fear of COVID-19 and its associated factors among Nepalese older adults in eastern Nepal: A cross-sectional study

“…Much of the global and regional focus has been on the prevention of transmission and therapeutics, which are undoubtedly pressing public health needs during a pandemic, mental health issues have been less emphasized. Studies have reported a higher prevalence (25% to 90%) of mental illness such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and stress symptoms among aged people in Nepal even in the pre-COVID-19 era [3,4].…”

Depression and Generalized Anxiety disorders among Chronically Ill Middle and Older Adults in Saudi Arabia

“…Population ageing is one of the most significant global demographic trends (Thapa, Visentin, Kornhaber, & Cleary, 2020). Saudi Arabia demographic trends are changing.…”

“…Ageing can increase the risk of mental health problems and subsequently the prevalence of mental health disorders has been observed to be higher among the older people. More than one fifth of older adults aged experience a mental disorder with depression, dementia and anxiety the most common (Thapa et al, 2020).…”

“…Mental disorders in older adults contribute to increased mortality, higher suicide rates, cognitive disorders, with negative effects on well-being and quality of life. Older adults with mental disorders may experience physical health problems such as stroke and heart disease, increased disability and limited capacity to undertake activities of daily living, increased use of health and home care services, financial issues, and social isolation (Thapa et al, 2020).…”

Effects of social support on mental health outcomes in disasters: A cross‐sectional study

“…Social support can protect individuals from the pathological outcomes of stressful events, since spending time with others distracts one from worries and facilitates positive emotions (Cohen & Wills, 1985). Furthermore, social support has protective effects on mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (Thapa et al, 2020). Additionally, a mediating effect of social support on the association between exposure to the economic repercussions of disaster and depression has been reported (Rung et al, 2017).…”