International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Background: The World Health Organization estimated that the overall prevalence rate of depressive disorders among the elderly generally varies between 10 and 20%, depending on the cultural situations. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among elderly population in selected urban &rural areas.

Materials and Methods: The non-experimental survey method was used. A total 200 samples were included in a study who met the sampling criteria and purposive sampling used. The researcher used geriatric depression scale short form to collect the data.
Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyse the data. Analysis revealed that the in urban area 50%, 16% & 8% of the subjects have mild, moderate & severe depression respectively. In rural area 37%, 12%& 4% of the subjects have mild, moderate & severe depression respectively.