Functional status in relation to depression among elderly individuals in Indonesia: a cross-sectional analysis of the Indonesian National Health Survey 2018 among elderly individuals.

BACKGROUND

Depression among elderly individuals is related to physical illness, functional status, prolonged treatment and other factors. Depression is not effectively treated with medication but can be alleviated by treating the physical illness and improving functional status. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between functional status and depression in elderly individuals in Indonesia.

METHODS

The data used were obtained from a national survey dataset, namely, the Basic Health Research and Socio-Economic Survey in 2018, which was carried out in 34 provinces and 514 districts or cities. The total number of respondents was 93,829, aged ≥60 years. Functional status and depression were assessed using the Barthel index and MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), respectively. Furthermore, data processing was carried out with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 program and analyzed using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression with the complex sample method.

RESULTS

Elderly individuals with severe dependence were at the greatest risk of becoming depressed compared to those without functional impairment or with independence after considering sociodemographic factors and disease history have 5.730 (95% CI = 4.302-7.632) the adj odds. Furthermore, this figure was higher than that of individuals with total dependence have 4.147 (95% CI = 3.231-5.231) the adj odds. The physical illness experienced also played a role in the risk for depression, which was higher among elderly individuals with stroke and a history of injury. The sociodemographic factors involved include low education and economic levels. In contrast, the area of residence and marital status had no statistically significant effect on the relationship between functional disorders and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly individuals with decreased functional status are prone to depression. The highest probability for depression was observed among those with severe dependence compared to those with total dependence. Consequently, interventions that involve various sectors, including social and family support, are needed.