Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims
Depression is now a worldwide public health issue among elderly, with particularly high prevalence among those residing in old‐age homes. In Bangladesh, limited research has been conducted on this vulnerable population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and identify associated factors among elderly individuals living in old‐age homes in Bangladesh.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted from September 22 to November 15, 2025, among 158 elderly individuals ( ≥ 60 years) residing in old‐age homes in Gazipur, Chattogram, and Noakhali. Data on sociodemographic, lifestyle, social support, health, and institutional factors were collected, and depression was assessed using the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Descriptive statistics summarized the data, while Chi‐square tests and binary logistic regression were used to identify associations and predictors of geriatric depression.
Results
The study found that 82.3% of the elderly residents were experiencing depression and it increases with advancing age, particularly among those aged 70 years and above. Gender, type of illness, and satisfaction with services in old age homes were identified as significant predictors of depression among elderly residents. Females were considerably more likely to experience depression than males, and individuals with physical illnesses had higher odds of depression compared to those with mental health conditions. Moreover, participants reporting neutral satisfaction with old age home facilities were more prone to depression than those who were very satisfied.
Conclusion
The findings indicate a high prevalence of depression among elderly residents of old‐age homes in Bangladesh, with several sociodemographic health‐related and institutional factors contributing to its severity. These results highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions and improved care services, which may assist policymakers in developing effective strategies to address geriatric mental health issues in Bangladesh.