Severity of Depression among Elderly Women Attending Holy Quran Memorization Centers in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Depression is the most common mental health problem among the elderly, causing considerable morbidity worldwide, as well as increased healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of depression among Saudi elderly women attending Quran Memorization Centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: We recruited 340 participants aged 65 years and older from 11 Quran Memorization Centers in the cities of Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. We used a structured interview questionnaire composed of socio-demographic characteristics and the Activity of Daily Living instrument to assess participants’ physical, social, and health-status conditions. In addition, we used the English version of the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Arabic version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment as the main screening instruments for depression and cognitive impairment respectively.

Results: Severity of depression among all participants was 42.1%. Low monthly income, the absence of a caregiver, diabetes, disability, and sleep disturbance were identified as common factors associated with depression.

Conclusion: The present study showed that depression in elderly females attending these centers was high and associated with multiple medical and socioeconomic characteristics, which is a cause of concern.