The Relationship between Spirituality and Depression Among the Elderly in Indonesia
Abstract: Studies have shown
that there is an association between spirituality and better physical and
mental health. Depression has one of the highest prevalence amongst the mental
health illnesses in the elderly, and it can lead to poor physical health. This
study aims to determine the relationship between spirituality and depression. Methods:
Data was obtained from the 4th Indonesian Family Life Survey, that was
conducted in 2007; the total study sample included 3,103 elderly Indonesians.
Logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between
spirituality and depression. Results:
This study found that the prevalence of depression was 7.2%, with the largest
proportion of those being ≥70 years, female, less educated, unemployed, elderly
with multimorbidities, unmarried, and less spiritual. Logistic regression
analysis showed a strong relationship between spirituality and depression (odds
ratio= 1.869; 95% confidence interval; 1.422 to 2.458) after it was controlled
for all variables. Conclusions: This study found that spirituality has a
significant relationship with rates of depression. The government needs to
develop a program that strengthens spirituality to improve mental health in the
elderly.
Keywords: depression; elderly;
health behaviour; multimorbidity; spirituality
Author: Yeni Mahwati
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170240
