Online ISSN: 2515-8260

THE RELATION BETWEEN ATTENDING GERIATRIC CLINIC and MENTAL DISORDERS in ELDERLY PE

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Dr . Ahmed Abdulameer Ibrahim M . B . Ch . B#1 , Dr . Jawad K . al-Diwan MBChB, MSs, DCN , FIBMS , FFPH.2 & Dr . Riy

Abstract

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distinguish kinds and related factors of Mental Disorders among elderly people attending Geriatric Clinic, Baghdad, Iraq. Methodology: A cross-sectional study conducted and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select 320 elderly people. We collected data on basic demographics and associated risk factors using a questionnaire filled through self-reported questionnaire. Mental disorders (MDs) were defined according to Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) with a cutoff score of 20+. Accredited tools used by WHO were utilized to identify mental disorders kinds. Results: The prevalence of MDs in the study sample was 24.4%. The prevalence of MDs types were: Depression 16.6%, anxiety 12.8%, dementia 5.3%, substance abuse 2.5%, suicide thoughts 5.6%, and suicide attempts 2.5%. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the determinant factors of elderly MDs revealed the following significant factors: Aging, smokers, living depends on others, loneliness and social isolation, visual impairment, economic state deterioration, neglect and mishandling, and chronic diseases are the determinant factors of elderly MDs. Conclusions: Mental disorders are wide spread among elderly people and enhanced elderly mental health care services should be provided

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