Self-neglect, frailty and depression among older women living living in Southern Türkiye.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the association between self-neglect, frailty, and levels of depression in older women.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 393 older women living in Southern Türkiye. The data were collected by face-to-face interview method, through a questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions describing socio-demographic and health-related features, Istanbul Medical School Elder Self-Neglect questionnaire (IMSelf-neglect), Frail Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15).

RESULTS

It was determined that the prevalence of self-neglect in older women was 62.6%, the prevalence of frailty was 45.3% and 55% had mild to severe depression. In the correlation analyses, the frailty score was significantly positively associated with depression score (r = 0.624, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with self-neglect (r = -0.724, p < 0.001). Also, self neglect score was negatively associated with depression scores (r = -0.716, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that self-neglect, frailty, and depression were common among older women. Furthermore, as self-neglect increased, frailty and depression levels also increased. Application of appropriate screening tools may help identify individuals at risk and provide timely support and interventions.