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Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among older adults: A cross‐sectional population‐based study

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Listed:
  • Deependra K. Thapa
  • Denis C. Visentin
  • Rachel Kornhaber
  • Michelle Cleary

Abstract

Despite population aging and the increase in mental health problems, studies on the mental health of older people in developing countries are lacking. This population‐based cross‐sectional study estimated the prevalence and associated factors for depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among older adults in Nepal. Community‐dwelling older adults (N = 794) were interviewed using a questionnaire which consisted of the 21‐item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales; and a wide range of sociodemographic, health‐related, and lifestyle characteristics; functional ability, social support, participation in social activities, and adverse life events. The prevalence of symptoms was 15.4% for depression, 18.1% for anxiety, and 12.1% for stress. Risk factors for symptoms included female gender, working in agriculture, lower household wealth, perceived poor health, smoking, chronic conditions, migration of adult children, and exposure to adverse life events. Receiving an allowance, physical exercise, functional ability, social support, and participation in social activities were found to have protective effects. The findings indicate the need for community‐based interventions, including appropriate diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, and mental health promotion programs targeting the risk and protective factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Deependra K. Thapa & Denis C. Visentin & Rachel Kornhaber & Michelle Cleary, 2020. "Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among older adults: A cross‐sectional population‐based study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(4), pages 1139-1152, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:nuhsci:v:22:y:2020:i:4:p:1139-1152
    DOI: 10.1111/nhs.12783
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Se Hee Min & Maxim Topaz & Chiyoung Lee & Rebecca Schnall, 2025. "Exploring the Moderation Effects of Race on the Relationship Among Sex Hormones, Biomarkers, and Psychological Symptoms in Female Older Adults," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 34(7), pages 384-392, September.
    2. Salinda Horgan & Jeanette Prorok & Katie Ellis & Laura Mullaly & Keri-Leigh Cassidy & Dallas Seitz & Claire Checkland, 2024. "Optimizing Older Adult Mental Health in Support of Healthy Ageing: A Pluralistic Framework to Inform Transformative Change across Community and Healthcare Domains," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-21, May.
    3. Lanlan Zhao & Xin Zheng & Kai Ji & Zhengsheng Wang & Lingzhi Sang & Xuefei Chen & Ling Tang & Ying Zhu & Zhongliang Bai & Ren Chen, 2022. "The Relationship between Social Support and Anxiety among Rural Older People in Elderly Caring Social Organizations: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-12, September.
    4. Zhang, Lixia & Li, Shaoting & Ren, Yanjun, 2024. "Does internet use benefit the mental health of older adults? Empirical evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15.
    5. Gayatri Khanal & Y Selvamani & Suman Thapa & Saravanan Chinnaiyan, 2024. "Prevalence and covariates of depression among older adults in Nepal: A systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS Mental Health, Public Library of Science, vol. 1(4), pages 1-16, September.

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