DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2021.v09i06.028

Pages: 967-971

Introduction: Mental health is very important in older age group. Health care of older age group is incomplete without due consideration of their mental health. Objectives: 1. To study the socio-demographic profile of the geriatric patients. 2. To Screen Geriatric Patients for Mental Health Impairments attending Government Hospital in Maharashtra. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study for screening of geriatric patients for mental health impairments was done for two months (Oct-Nov 2015) at Government Medical College Miraj. Total sample size was calculated and found to be around 126. Pre- designed, pre tested and semi structured questionnaire was used and interview of study subjects were taken. The questionnaire consisted of general information including socio-demographic data, health related information and DASS-21 score to assess mental health impairments. Statistical analysis: Descriptive statistics will be applied using frequencies and percentages. Results: Out of 126 study subjects, 57.14% were males, 83.33% were Hindus, 59.52% were from urban area and 97.61% were married. 6.34% were found to have depression, 30.13% had anxiety and 3.95% were under stress. Depression and anxiety were found more commonly in females than males while stress was more common in males. Proportion of respondents having depression was significantly higher in those not staying with their children than others. Conclusion: Around 30% were found as anxious, about 7% were depressed and 4% were stressed. Mental health services for geriatric population are essential.