Depressive illness in institutionalised older people in Malta

Abstract

Depression in older persons is associated with being placed in a nursing home. Depression is linked to increased medical morbidity in nursing home residents. 150 patients living in two nursing homes in Malta were included in the study. The geriatric depression scale was used to identify depression. Data for risk factors for depression and management of residents for this pathology was also collected. 67.3% (p value <0.01) were found to be depressed. 12% of the total population had major depression while 55.3% had minor depression. Only 40% of those diagnosed with depression in this study had been so diagnosed prior to the study. Significant associations included low Barthel scores, loneliness, being currently in pain, taking several medications, being widowed and having osteoarthritis. The study also showed that those residents already diagnosed with depression were being treated inappropriately with low prescription levels of antidepressants (40.6%). : Results show that depression in nursing home residents is highly prevalent and under diagnosed. There is also a lack of proper treatment in those identified with depression. There is a need for further research to develop intervention and management strategies for depression that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of the frail nursing home population.