Características de la depresión en el adulto mayor de la atención primaria de salud

Abstract

Introduction: Geriatric depression is one of the main mental health problems, with an impact on functionality, mortality, and quality of life in older adults.

Objective: To analyze geriatric depression in older adults from the daily practice of the family physician at Family Doctor’s Office 13 of the René Bedia Morales Polyclinic.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between July and December 2025. The population consisted of 300 older adults, and the sample included 168 older adults selected through proportional stratified sampling. The Geriatric Depression Scale of Yesavage -15 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 -9 were applied, along with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables.

Results: The predominant group was aged 60–69 years and female sex. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (65.5 %), and more than half presented polypharmacy. Regarding functionality, 59.5 % were independent, while 36.9 % showed frailty. In the psychosocial domain, 71.4 % perceived adequate social support, but 31.5 % reported loneliness and 33.9 % recent life events. Mild and moderate depression accounted for 65.5% of cases, while severe depression affected 10.7 %.

Conclusions: In the studied community, geriatric depression is associated with clinical and psychosocial factors, with mild and moderate forms predominating. The role of the family physician in early detection and the need for comprehensive intervention strategies are framed within ethical principles of respect, autonomy, and beneficence toward older adults.