Coping strategies and depression among the geriatric population in an urban field practice area of a medical college in North India: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Depression is a common but often overlooked mental health issue in the elderly, with coping mechanisms significantly influencing its intensity and course. Despite its importance, there is a scarcity of community-based studies exploring coping patterns among older adults in urban Indian settings. Aim: To examine the types of coping strategies employed by the geriatric population and their association with depression. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2022 and February 2024 among 338 individuals aged 60 years and above residing in Urban Field Practice Area of a Medical College in North India. Depression levels were measured using the geriatric depression scale (GDS), while coping strategies were assessed using the stress coping behavior scale (SCBS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying relevant statistical tests. Results: Depressive symptoms were present in 51.2% of participants. Adaptive coping approaches-such as religious practices (mean score 3.83 ± 0.48) and acceptance (3.60 ± 0.67)-were more frequently reported among those without depression ( Conclusion: There is a clear link between the type of coping mechanism used and the presence of depression among the elderly. Encouraging positive coping methods and identifying harmful patterns early can aid in improving mental health outcomes in this vulnerable population.