Effectiveness of the psychoeducation module for screened positive cases of depression among elderly females in rural South India, a Quasi experimental study

Background: With the increasing population of geriatric women in India, it has become more necessary to identify morbidities in this population as well as potential interventions to treat them. In this study, we estimate the prevalence of depression in geriatric women living in a district in rural South India, and evaluate the effectiveness of a psycho education on improving knowledge and awareness on depression. Methods: This cross sectional study was performed among 218 females above the age of 60 years in rural areas who were interviewed using Beck’s Depression Inventory and evaluated for depression. A questionnaire was then administered to assess knowledge and attitudes regarding depression once prior to and once after the psychoeducation module was presented to assess the effectiveness of the module. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify key variables that predisposed participants for depression as well as those variables that affected the effectiveness of the psychoeducation module. Results: The study showed 31.7% of the participants to have depression using Beck’s Depression Inventory. Low education status [ AOR: 5.95(1.04-34.10), p = 0.04], decreased social interactions [AOR: 10.97 (1.43-84.13), p = .02.], daily concerns regarding health [AO: R5.09 (1.031-25.10), p = 0.05), loans to settle [AOR: 18.55(2.65-129.64), p = 0.003] and poor sleep quality [AOR:94.82 (13.97-643.72, p < .001] were positively correlated with the presence of depression. Of those participants diagnosed with depression, the psychoeducation module was less effective in those who engaged in hobbies/social activities, had good relationships with family and had concerns about their health. Conclusion: Of those interviewed, one-third were estimated to have depression. Administration of a psycho-education was seen to reduce stigma and improve health-seeking behavior. As this stigma is particularly pervasive in geriatric women in rural south India, population specific interventions need to be identified in order to improve knowledge and health seeking behavior. Keywords: Depression, Elderly, Rural India, Women, Geriatric, Psychoeducation, Intervention