The Relationship between Depression and Quality of Life among Elderly of Nursing Home Residents and Non-Residents in Shahroud City

The rapid increase in the number of elderly in the country is a concerning subject for supplying the needs of this group in the fields of health, hygiene and well-being. Nursing homes residency is a phenomenon that has been increasing and its effects on the physical and mental health of the elderly are undeniable. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between depression and quality of life among nursing home residents and non- residents.
In the present cross-sectional study, 315 elderly ones including 80 (25.39%) nursing home residents and 235(74.61%) non-residents were selected by convenience sampling method from Shahroud City. Data collection tools including the demographic information questionnaire, short form of the geriatric depression scale and quality of life questionnaire SF-36 (Short form) questionnaires were completed through face to face interviews. After completing the questionnaire, the data analysis was performed using the SPSS Version16 software.
According to the results of this study, the majority of the elderly in both groups of nursing homes residents (73.8%) and non-nursing home residents (80.9%) were 60-70 years old. The depression scores of both groups were in the middle range .Among nursing home residents, a significant positive correlation between physical- mental aspects and total quality of life scores with depression scores was seen, but there was not a significant relationship between the variables in non-resident elderly as well as all the elderly.
The results showed the negative impact of residency at nursing homes on many aspects of elderly lives and it is suggested to encourage families to keep supporting the elderly as the best way to prevent many of the problems.