Depression, anxiety, perceived social support and associated factors among elderly nursing home residents in the Klang Valley / Pritiss Nair

Pritiss, Nair (2021) Depression, anxiety, perceived social support and associated factors among elderly nursing home residents in the Klang Valley / Pritiss Nair. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

Introduction: Depression and anxiety among the elderly brings about various adversities which affects the physical and psychological state of an individual and is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a primary contributor to the global burden of disease. Meanwhile, perceived social support from family members, relatives or friends, may improve an individual’s conduct, coping, physical and psychological well-being. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety, perceived social support as well as the socio-demographic correlates among elderly residents residing in nursing homes in the Klang Valley. Study Design: It is a cross-sectional study conducted among elderly residents residing in nursing homes in the Klang Valley. The instruments that were used in this study includes, socio-demographic questionnaire, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) was used to assess depression among elderly residents and Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to measure anxiety. Perceived social support was measured using Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Cognition of all residents were screened at the beginning of the study using Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaire (ECAQ). Results: This study involved 224 elderly residents from thirty nursing homes around the Klang Valley. A majority of the geriatric population residing in nursing homes have both depressive symptoms (n =211, 94.2%) and symptoms of anxiety (n =182, 81.2%). Subjects with higher perceived social support were significantly less depressed as compared with older adults who perceived poor social support. However, lower perceived social support was not a significant contributor to symptoms of anxiety. v Conclusion: Depressive and anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent among elderly residents of nursing homes. Integrating social support to an individual in addition to their existing treatment plan, helps to improve their overall psychological well-being.

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