Behavior of Anxiety-Depressive Disorder in Older Adults at the Daytime Gerontological Center Amparo Social, El Chaco
Keywords:
ANCIANO; ANSIEDAD; DEPRESIÓN; ENVEJECIMIENTO SALUDABLE; TRASTORNO DEPRESIVO., AGED; ANXIETY; DEPRESSION; HEALTHY AGING; DEPRESSIVE DISORDER., IDOSO; ANSIEDADE; DEPRESSÃO; ENVELHECIMENTO SAUDÁVEL; TRANSTORNO DEPRESSIVO.Abstract
Introduction: older adults may develop anxiety and/or depression, affecting their social environment and emotional health.
Objective: to identify the presence of anxious-depressive disorder in older adults attending the Amparo Social Day Gerontological Center in the canton of El Chaco.
Methods: an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 50 older adults. The application of instruments enabled the collection of information that addressed the analyzed variables, using descriptive statistical methods.
Results: 42 % and 34 % of the sample presented moderate and mild depression, respectively, with mild anxiety identified in 46 % of the population. Regarding risk factors, it is noteworthy that 62 % of older adults do not participate in events or activities, 57 % suffer from chronic-degenerative diseases, 46 % do not engage in physical activity, 42 % are widowed, 36 % sometimes participate in family gatherings, while 30 % are never consulted for such occasions, and 80 % report experiencing abuse.
Conclusions: the levels of anxiety and depression identified in the study reflect the need to develop educational strategies aimed at preventing anxious-depressive disorder, focusing on recreational physical activities and social engagement in order to reduce the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the studied population.
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