Mental health burden and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic illnesses: A cross-sectional study in Southern India

Background: Chronic medical conditions and depression frequently co-occur in elderly populations, yet their combined impact on quality of life (QoL) remains understudied in developing countries. Aims and Objective: To assess QoL, depression, and suicidal intent among elderly individuals with chronic medical illnesses and identify associated sociodemographic and clinical factors. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 100 elderly participants (56% female, mean age 66.78 years) with diabetes mellitus (34%), hypertension (33%), or osteoarthritis (33%) at a tertiary care center in Chennai, India. Participants completed the World Health Organization QOL-BREF, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Beck’s Suicide Intent Scale. Results: Hypertensive patients demonstrated significantly better QoL in physical, psychological, and environmental domains compared to those with diabetes or osteoarthritis (P<0.05). Depression was prevalent, with 22% showing clinical depression and 37% exhibiting borderline symptoms. Depression rates were significantly higher among diabetic patients compared to hypertensive patients (P=0.001). Economic independence was significantly associated with better QoL outcomes across multiple domains (P<0.05). Depression severity showed significant negative correlations with all QoL domains (r=−0.314–−0.578, P<0.01). Notably, illness duration positively correlated with social relationship quality (r=0.210, P=0.036). Conclusion: Different chronic conditions have varying impacts on QoL and psychological well-being among elderly individuals. Depression is particularly common among diabetic patients and significantly impairs QoL across all domains. These findings highlight the importance of integrated care approaches incorporating routine depression screening and addressing both medical and social determinants of health in geriatric populations with chronic conditions.