Hopelessness, depression levels and associated factors in elderly individuals
Keywords:
Depression, hopelessness, nursing, old ageAbstract
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the levels of hopelessness, depression, and associated factors in individuals over the age of 65.
Design and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2023-2024 at the Family Health Center with a sample size of 375. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale-Short Form (BHS-SF).
Results: The average scores of the GDS-SF and BHS-SF were found to be 4.28±3.15 (3.00) and 7.21±6.27 (5.00). Participants who were married, had less income, living alone, living with relatives were showed higher GDS-SF scores BHS-SF scores were significantly higher among those who did not eat regularly, did not exercise regularly, took medication regularly, did not have chronic diseases, had regular medical check-ups once a month, and did not have hobbies.
Conclusion: It was observed that the Geriatric Depression Scale scores and Beck Hopelessness Scale scores differed according to the participants’ educational status, marital status, income status, and the people they lived with.
Practice implications: The enhancement of social support networks has been demonstrated to engender a sense of value and assistance among elderly individuals. The enhancement of social support networks through family, friends, and community activities has been identified as a potential strategy to alleviate feelings of hopelessness and depression.
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