Abstract:
Background and objective: Physical diseases, psychological illness, and adjustment
problems are frequently encountered in aging. In Sri Lanka, 12.3% of the population is
aged 60 years or above—the highest in South Asia. The proportion of institutionalised
elders is rising with attendant mental health problems such as depression and loneliness.
Institutionalized elders lack community resources, heightening their vulnerability to
depression and loneliness. This study aimed to assess depression, loneliness, and their
associated socio-demographic and health-related factors among elderly people in the
State Elders’ Home – Kaithady, Jaffna.
Methods: An institution-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among
127 elders at the State Elders’ Home – Kaithady, Jaffna. Ethics approval was obtained
from the Ethics Review Committee at Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. Data
collection utilized interviewer-administered questionnaires and data extraction sheets,
including the Geriatric Depression Scale and a locally prepared loneliness scale validated
for content by a psychiatrist, using the Kobocollect Toolbox. Statistical analysis was
performed using SPSS, including Chi-square test, Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA,
and correlation coefficient test.
Results: In the sample, males comprised 56.7%, with a mean age of 72.46 years (SD
9.63). Among the elders, 56.7% were depressed; females had higher mean Geriatric
Depression Scale scores. Over a third (40.2%) experienced moderate loneliness, similar
across genders. Visual problems, hypertension, and diabetes were common. Depression
was significantly associated with occupation (p=0.002) and loneliness (p<0.001). Marital
status, presence of children and duration of stay were neither associated with depression
nor loneliness.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Depression and loneliness among institutionalized
elders are often underdiagnosed and untreated. The results of this study indicate the need
to enhance the mental health and quality of life of institutionalised elders.
Recommendations include a detailed evaluation of depression and treatment of those
affected, and ensuring that residents of elders’ homes receive improved social services.
