Multidimensional Determinants of Geriatric Depression: An Empirical Analysis on Older Adults in Türkiye

Abstract

Objective: With the growing elderly population in Turkey, geriatric depression (GD) has emerged as a critical public health issue. This study aims to explore the determinants of GD by examining socio-demographic, psychosocial, and technological variables. Methods: Utilizing the 2023 Turkey Elderly Profile dataset compiled by the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Family and Social Services, the study analyzes data from 29,785 individuals aged 50 and above. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess depression risk, using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) as the primary measure. Analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software and stratified by age groups. Results: The analysis revealed that unhappiness, future anxiety, technology use, loneliness, female gender, low educational level, unmarried status, low income, and advanced age significantly increased the likelihood of GD. These factors had varying degrees of influence across age groups, with their impact becoming more pronounced in older individuals. In particular, psychological and digital vulnerabilities intensified with age, leading to a rise in depression risk. Technology use, while generally considered beneficial, was associated with increased depression risk in the oldest age group, possibly due to low digital literacy and compulsory use. Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity of developing comprehensive, age-sensitive mental health strategies in Turkey. Policies should promote digital inclusion, strengthen social support networks, and enhance psychological resilience among older adults. A holistic approach involving health, social, and economic reforms is recommended to address the multifactorial nature of geriatric depression.

Keywords

• Geriatric Depression
• Loneliness
• Future Anxiety
• Technology Use
• Health Policy

Geriatrik Depresyonun Çok Boyutlu Belirleyicileri: Türkiye'deki Yaşlı Yetişkinler Üzerinde Ampirik Bir Analiz

Abstract

Amaç: Türkiye’de yaşlı nüfusun artmasıyla birlikte geriatrik depresyon (GD) önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu haline gelmiştir. Bu çalışma, GD’ye etki eden sosyo-demografik, psikososyal ve teknolojik faktörleri inceleyerek depresyonun belirleyicilerini ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Yöntem: Araştırmada, Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu ve Aile ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı tarafından hazırlanan 2023 yılı Türkiye Yaşlı Profili veri seti kullanılmıştır. 50 yaş ve üzeri 29.785 bireyden elde edilen veriler yaş gruplarına göre düzenlenmiş ve ikili lojistik regresyon analizleriyle değerlendirilmiştir. Geriatrik Depresyon Ölçeği (GDO-30) esas alınarak depresyon durumu belirlenmiştir. Verilerin analizi için IBM SPSS Statistics programı kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Analiz bulguları, mutsuzluk, gelecek kaygısı, teknoloji kullanımı, yalnızlık, kadın cinsiyet, düşük eğitim düzeyi, medeni durum (evli olmama), düşük gelir ve ileri yaş gibi değişkenlerin GD riskini anlamlı düzeyde artırdığını göstermiştir. 50 yaşından itibaren bireylerde yaş ilerledikçe depresyon üzerinde anlamlı etkide bulunan değişkenler farklılık göstermiştir. Yaş ilerledikçe cinsiyet, medeni durum, eğitim durumu, teknoloji kullanımı, gelecek kaygısı ve yalnızlık değişkenleri depresyonu daha çok etkileme düzeylerine sahip olmaktadır. Bu durum bireylerin yaşlandıkça daha çok yalnızlaştığı olgusuna bağlanabilir. Bu da bireyleri mutsuzlaştırırken daha çok teknoloji kullanımına sevk etmektedir. Bulgular, geriatrik depresyonun önlenmesi ve yönetimi için sosyal destek mekanizmalarının güçlendirilmesi, psikolojik dayanıklılığı artırmaya yönelik stratejilerin geliştirilmesi ve yaşlı bireylerin teknolojiye adaptasyonunun desteklenmesi gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç: Bu bağlamda, Türkiye’de yaşlı nüfusa yönelik ruh sağlığı politikalarının daha bütüncül bir yaklaşımla ele alınması ve depresyon riskini azaltmaya yönelik sosyal ve ekonomik düzenlemelerin hayata geçirilmesi önerilmektedir.

Keywords

• Geriatrik Depresyon
• Yalnızlık
• Gelecek Kaygısı
• Teknoloji Kullanımı
• Sağlık Politikası

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