Interpersonal Problems and Depression of the Elderly at the Elderly Association in Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

Objectives :

To find out the prevalence of interpersonal problems, depression, and the association between interpersonal problems and depression of the elderly at the Elderly Association in Phitsanulok province.

Method :

Three hundred and ninety-one elderly, aged 60 or above, living in Phitsanulok province were recruited into the study during June-September 2013. All of the participants completed four questionnaires: 1) demographic data form, 2) Thai interpersonal questionnaire, 3) Thai geriatric depression scale (TGDS), and 4) 1-year life events questionnaire. The prevalence of interpersonal problems and depression were presented by frequency and percentage, and the association between interpersonal problems and depression was analyzed by using chi-square test.

Results:

Most of the participants were female (68.5%), the average age was 69.8 years, and 53.3% were married. Grief or bereavement, the highest prevalent problem, was found 45.0%, caused by the death of relatives, parents, and spouse. The maladjustment of grief was associated with the sudden (p<0.01), or unexpected death (p<0.05). Both interpersonal role disputes and interpersonal deficits were secondly common problems (13.8%). Persons in the dispute were relatives, children, and spouse. Interpersonal deficits were associated with the lack of social support (p<0.05). Role transitions, the least common problem (3.8%), included health and financial problems. Thirty-six of the participants (9.2%) had depression, 7.2% with mild depression and 2.0% with moderate depression. Four interpersonal problems were associated with the depression; grief or bereavement (p<0.05), interpersonal role disputes (p<0.01), role transitions (p<0.01), and interpersonal deficits (p<0.01).

Conclusion :

Interpersonal problems and depression were common in the elderly. Grief was the most common problem. All four interpersonal problems were associated with the depression in

the elderly.