Mulugeta Girma, Million Hailu, Asfaw Wakwoya, Zegeye Yohannis and Jemal Ebrahim
Background: Depression represents one of the most profound human problems currently facing the global health care system and estimated to cover 5.7% of the total burden of disease in 2020. Though occurs at any age, it is the most common mental health disorder in the elderly. There is limited information in this regard in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among old age population in Harar town. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2012. Three hundred and fifty two respondents were participated in the study. Systematic random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Geriatric depression rating scale (GDS-15) was used to assess the depression. Respondents who had a score of five and above on the GDS-15 were considered as depressed. Results: The prevalence of depression was 28.5%. Being female [AOR=4.11, 95% CI(1.53,11.07)], not married [AOR=10.1, 95% CI(3.89,26.18)], those with no formal education [AOR =3.6, 95% CI(1.45,9.07)], elderly who attended primary school [AOR=0.28,95% CI(0.1,0.78)], living alone [AOR=3.46,95% CI, (1.32,9.12)], those who had chronic illness [AOR=3.47, 95% CI(1.5,7.7)], elderly with cognitive impairments [AOR=2.77, 95% CI,(1.18,6.47)],as well as substance use [AOR=2.6,95%CI(1.07 ,6.28)] were factors associated with depression. Conclusion: About one third of the elders were found to be depressed. Designing prevention and intervention strategies addressing the identified factors is important. Better emphasis to the most vulnerable group of the population is required.