Abstract

Background: The aged population is a medical as well as sociological problem. It makes a very great demand in terms of health services in the community.

Objectives: The current study was conducted to know the important epidemiological determinants affecting mental status in geriatric age.

Material and Methods: The study design was non-experimental, analytical cross-sectional study comprising of 200 participants from rural and urban areas. Consent of the subject regarding their participation in the study was obtained. Data entry was done in excel sheet and the final analysis was done using SPSS 15 and Epi info 7 software. Statistical significance was tested by applying Mann–Whitney U test and Logistic regression.

Results: Among males and females, the urban–rural difference is statistically significant. The depression (both mild and severe) is 97/200 = 48.5% in rural area whereas in urban area it is 162/200 = 81%, and overall it is 64.75%. This difference is statistically highly significant as z-score is 6.8027 and p < 0.0001. Gender, area, marital status, education, social relation, and family type are found to be significant independent determinants. In urban area, type of family is a significant determinant whereas in rural area it is not (0.01 and 0.44, respectively). The results of logistic regression revealed that area, marital status, income source, age, and type of family are important determinants of mental status in older age.

Conclusions: Modifiable independent determinants can be adjusted to the circumstances whereas it is almost impossible to deal with the non-modifiable determinants. Talking sessions should further be organized and they should be befriended and helped accordingly.

Key words: Geriatric population, urban, rural, mental status differences, independent variables