Psychological Distress and Its Associated Factors among Older Adults Living in a Rural Area of West Bengal

Abstract Introduction: Psychological distress among older adults in India is a concerning issue due to the aging population, the unique challenges they face, and limited access to mental health resources. Understanding and addressing this concern are crucial for promoting better mental health and overall quality of life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress among older adults in selected subcenters of Budge Budge II block, West Bengal; and to find out the factors associated with psychological distress among the study participants. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 persons aged ≥60 years from different subcenters of the Budge Budge II block selected by multistage random sampling from May 2023 to July 2023 by face-to-face interview using a predesigned, pretested, structured schedule comprising the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Multivariable binary logistic regression was done to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with psychological distress. Results: In this study among 180 elderly individuals, the mean age was 67 (±6.34) years, with 65.5% in the 60–69 age group. Nearly two-thirds (70.5%) had no psychological distress, while 18.9%, 5%, and 5.6% had mild, moderate, and severe distress, respectively. Participants who were belonging to the age group 70–79 years aOR (95% confidence interval [CI) = 3.31 (1.27–8.63)], widowed or separated (aOR 95% CI = 3.53 1.33–9.31), functionally dependent (aOR 95% CI) = (8.89 1.49–53.23), and economically dependent (aOR 95% CI = 7.81 3.21–19.03) were statistically significant covariates of psychological distress. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of the elderly were suffering from psychological distress. Preventive measures for psychological disorders should be integrated into public health at the local level by providing specialist outpatient services to diagnose and treat common psychological disorders at the primary health center level.