Anxiety and depression in Moravian-Silesian older adults: prevalence and associated factors

Objectives: The main objective was to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in older adults living in the Moravian-Silesian region. Methods: Empirical data was collected using a set of questionnaires and a personal data form. These tools were the Geriatric Scale of Depression, the Inventory of Geriatric Anxiety, the OPQoL-brief questionnaire, the Rosenberger Self-Esteem Scale, and the Social Support Questionnaire. A total of 935 older adults participated in the research. Results: Depression symptoms were found in 17.2% of older adults and anxiety symptoms in 22.8%. A correlation was shown between a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety and between the number of diseases and low social support. A higher prevalence of depression was also associated with older age (r = 0.162, p = 0.039). Older adults with depression and anxiety also showed a lower quality of life (r = -0.529, p < 0.001; r = -0.362, p < 0.001), lower self-assessment (r = -0.464, p < 0.001; r = -0.429, p < 0.001), and little social support (r = -0.260, p < 0.001; r = -0.211, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Depression and anxiety in older people is underdiagnosed and treated in primary care settings, although it significantly affects morbidity and quality of life in affected persons.