Prevalence of Geriatric Depression and Its Associated Risk Factors in a Rural Area of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

Background: Depression among older adults, an emerging public health concern in India, contributing significantly to morbidity and reduced life quality. Rural elderly populations, vulnerable due to social and medical determinants. Aims & Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression among geriatric individuals in a rural area of Meerut and to identify associated risk factors. Material & Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study, conducted in the rural field practice area of LLRM Medical College, Meerut, during October–November 2019. Total of 121 individuals aged ≥60 years were selected through systematic house-to-house survey after random selection of one village. Depression was assessed using the Hindi version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.3.1. Chi-square test was applied. A P value