Prevalence and related factors of depression among the elderly in Indonesia

Background: Information regarding elderly depression and its related factors in Indonesia, the 4^th populated country with 22 million elderly, is scarce. The aim of this research was to provide an overall social, demographic profile of depression among the elderly in Indonesia. Methods: Data were obtained from the Indonesian Family Life Survey 5 (IFLS 5). Depression was measured using the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant factors associated with depression. Results: The prevalence of depression among 2910 elderly was almost one-quarter of total participants at 24.9% with a mean depression score was 7.62. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of depression were low life satisfaction, low economic status, worse self-rated health, worse physical function, low level of exercise, and sleep impairment. Demographic factors such as being female, younger age, and living in certain regions were associated with a higher likelihood of depression, as well. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression among Indonesian elderly was quite high, and more resources and effort needed to be allocated to prevention within the health care system. The identification of protective and risk factors in this research can be useful in devising preventive programs. The government policy should foremost focus on high-risk groups, such as those with lower economic status, females, living in certain regions, and those with worse physical health.