Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression Among the Older Adults in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria

Ogban MA; Mpama EA; Ogri CI; Odor MC; Oku AO

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i4.1372

Authors

Ogban MA Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Mpama EA Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Ogri CI Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Odor MC Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Oku AO Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i4.1372

Keywords:

depression, older adults, prevalence, factors, coping mechanisms, Calabar Municipality

Abstract

Context: Depression among older adults is an important public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where ageing populations are increasing and access to geriatric mental health services remains limited. In Nigeria, socio-economic conditions, chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and social circumstances may increase the vulnerability of older adults to depression.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and identify factors associated with depression among older adults resident in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among older persons aged 60 years and above who reside in Calabar Municipality. Using multistage sampling, 369 participants were recruited. Data were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire incorporating the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 66.47 ± 5.71 years. The prevalence of depression among the respondents was 51.2%, with mild depression being the most common (32.8%), followed by moderate (16.8%) and severe depression (1.6%). Significant factors associated with depression included advanced age (65 years and above), no formal education, unemployment, low income, unmarried (single, divorced, separated and widowed), presence of chronic illness and difficulty with daily activities (p < 0.05). Commonly reported coping mechanisms included praying (31.2%), resting (29.8%), and family or social connections (20.9%). Suggested interventions included provision of free healthcare services (36.3%) and government financial support (33.1%).

Conclusion: Depression was highly prevalent among older adults resident in Calabar Municipality and was associated with socio-economic, health-related, and lifestyle factors. Routine and accessible screening for depression, integration of geriatric mental health services into primary healthcare and community-based interventions are recommended to improve the early identification and management of depression among older adults in Nigeria.