Prevalence and associated risk factors for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness among the geriatric population in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

backgroundBangladesh is currently going through a demographic shift, with a swift rise in the proportion of older individuals among the population. The increasing prevalence of mental health issues among older adults is placing heightened demands on community health services. This study aims to assess mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness, along with their associated factors, among the geriatric population in Bangladesh.

methodsThe current study collected data from several geographical regions in the Bangladesh through face-to-face cross-sectional surveys employing stratified random sampling techniques. A total of 1,607 older respondents initially participated in the survey, and 1,544 responses were entered into the final analysis after careful evaluation. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and lifestyle factors of participants. We employed the PHQ-9, GAD-7, AIS-8, and UCLA-3 to assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness, respectively.

resultsThe prevalence rates for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness were estimated at 58% (mild: 42%, moderate: 13%, severe: 3%), 82% (mild: 39%, moderate: 31%, severe: 12%), 77% (mild: 28%, moderate: 38%, severe: 11%), and 9% (mild: 7%, moderate: 2%), respectively. In Bangladeshi geriatric population, the primary characteristics linked to depression, anxiety, insomnia, and loneliness include female sex, spousal separation or bereavement, unemployment or retirement, low to moderate economic status, and living without family, smoking habit, lack of regular physical exercise, assistance required for regular activities, involvement in social activities, and chronic disease or condition. The current investigation also revealed statistically significant correlations among the assessed mental health concerns, indicating a tendency to co-occur among older adults.

conclusionMental health symptoms were highly prevalent and influenced by socio-demographic and lifestyle-related factors among the older population in Bangladesh. Context-specific associations underscore the need for culturally appropriate interventions addressing social and structural determinants in geriatric mental health care. The current findings possess practical ramifications for clinical psychology, psychotherapy, and associated policy deliberations.