The Prevalence of Depression in Elderly Living at Home in Eastern Turkey: Erzurum

Objective: To assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms among elderly people who live at home. Design: This research was carried out as cross-sectional between March 2001 and September 2002 so as to determine the depression prevalence in the elderly people living in Abdurahman Gazi Primary Health Care Region in Erzurum. Method: The study population consisted of 1097 elderly people (65 and over) who live in Abdurahman Gazi Primary Health Care Region. At the selection of the samples, the formula which is used in known population frequency researches was practiced and samples were found as 300. Results: The prevalence of depression symptoms was found to be 58.3 % (n=175) in the total study population 45.1% (n=79) in male subjects and 54.9% (n=96) in female subjects). Conclusion: In the light of these data, multidisciplinary approach is required for preparing social arrangements enhancing family and community support and home car efor elderly subjects.