Prevalence and Predictors of Depression and Its Association with Psychological Well-Being Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Background:Depression is a prevalent mental health concern among older adults, exerting significant effects on psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Understanding its prevalence and predictors is essential for developing targeted interventions, particularly in community settings.

Aim:This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, identify its key predictors, and explore its association with psychological well-being among community-dwelling older adults in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University involving 186 older adults aged 60 years and above. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and health-related items, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.

Results:The prevalence of depression was 44.6%, with 22.0% experiencing mild, 15.1% moderate, and 7.5% severe symptoms. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing age (OR 1.07; p = 0.008), male gender (OR 1.31; p = 0.042), chronic illness (OR 1.92; p = 0.006), and functional limitations (OR 1.78; p = 0.003) were significant predictors of depression. Conversely, being married (OR 0.72; p = 0.035), higher education (OR 0.54; p = 0.001), and high social support (OR 0.41; p < 0.001) were protective. Depression was inversely correlated with psychological well-being (r = –0.62; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:Depression is highly prevalent among Saudi community-dwelling older adults and is influenced by sociodemographic, health-related, and psychosocial factors. Enhancing social support and functional independence may reduce depression risk and improve psychological well-being.