| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Geriatric patients often face a combination of physical, psychological, and social challenges, with depression and malnutrition being significant health concerns. This study aims to investigate the correlation between depression, as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and nutritional status, assessed through the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) in elderly patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients from the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic and Inpatient Department at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan. The GDS and MNA were used to assess depression and nutritional status, respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with correlation tests to explore the relationships between depression and malnutrition.
Results: A total of 55 subjects were included in this study. Based on depression assessment, 12 subjects (21.81%) were found to have suggestive symptoms of depression, while 43 (78.19%) had no depression. Regarding nutritional status, 14 subjects (25.45%) had normal nutrition, 9 (16.36%) had malnutrition, and 32 (58.19%) were at risk of malnutrition. No significant associations were found between depression and variables such as age, gender, BMI, or comorbidities, nor with malnutrition. However, a significant correlation was observed between depression and malnutrition (p = 0.001), with depressed individuals more likely to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that depression and malnutrition among geriatric patients are closely correlated. Early screening for both conditions using the GDS and MNA can assist in providing comprehensive care for geriatric patients. Further studies are needed to explore additional factors influencing these conditions in the elderly. | en_US |
