Abstract:
This research was designed as a cross-sectional analysis to investigate the prevalence of
depression among the elderly population in the Isan subdistrict, Mueang district, Buriram province. The
objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of fundamental factors (gender, average age, chronic
diseases, basic daily activity abilities, and body mass index) on the incidence of depression among the
elderly in the region. The sample size was calculated from EPI INFO, determined via a stratified random
sampling method, and consisted of 144 elderly individuals. The data collection process took place from
December 2021 to April 2022, and involved the use of a general information questionnaire and a
depression assessment form specifically designed for the elderly. The data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multivariate analysis. The results showed that 1) the overall
prevalence of depression was 16.67%, with males having a higher incidence (21.43%) compared to
females (14%), and 2) one factor that was found to have a statistically significant association with
depression was body mass index. Specifically, depression was found to be more prevalent among elderly
individuals with normal weight, at 4.29 times the rate compared to obese individuals (OR = 4.29, 95% CI =
1.07–17.26). However, no statistically significant relationship was found between depression and other
factors when analyzed using multivariate analysis. These findings can be used to develop programs for
the education, monitoring, and prevention of depression and its complications among the elderly in the
community.
