International Journal of Caring Sciences, cilt.11, sa.2, ss.851-859, 2018 (Hakemli Dergi)
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the levels of geriatric depression (GD) and death depression(DD) in
older patients that are provided with care in hospitals in addition to the influential factors, and identify the
correlation between GD and DD.
Methods: This is a descriptive and correlational study. It was conducted with 150 older patients in an University
Hospital between December1, 2014 and March13,2015.
Results: The study found that the mean GD score of the participants18.51±7.35, and the mean DD score
was8.51±1.60.There was a significant correlation between the scores of the two scale. The participants’ GD
scores were affected by insufficient income, negative perception of health, dependency in daily life activities and
the period of hospitalization. Their DD scores were affected by the perception of health, presence of a chronic
illness and use of medication.
Conclusion: Mental health is under serious threat in older individuals. Thus, the study suggests that health
professionals create awareness to improve older people’s mental health and make initiatives about this issue.
Key words: Aged, Death, Gerıatrıcs, Depression