Background: Depression is a widespread problem among older adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) who lack strength, independence, and self-esteem. It makes them hesitant to take part in social activities. The result is loneliness, unhappiness, and depression. If untreated, depression could lead to suicide. Therefore, depression risk factors should be used to identify at-risk groups.

Objective: To examine the factors influencing depression in older adults with NCDs.

Materials and Methods: The entire sample consisted of older adults aged 60 years with NCDs. A cluster sampling method was used to collect data in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. Data were collected between January and March 2023, using an interview form with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.708 to 0.903. The data obtained were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Results: Of the 608 participants enrolled, 23.8% were found the risk of depression. The factors influencing depression were alcohol use (AOR 23.14, 95% CI 1.43 to 37.59, p=0.027), no education (AOR 11.14, 95% CI 1.38 to 90.06, p=0.024), insufficient sleep (AOR 7.61, 95% CI 2.16 to 26.82, p=0.002), activities of daily living (ADL) (AOR 4.10, 95% CI 1.23 to 13.70, p=0.022), inadequate diet (AOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.14 to 5.91, p=0.024), loneliness (AOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.42, p=0.007), diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.67, p=0.022), widowhood (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.34, p=0.036), hobbies (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.57, p=0.004), and psychological well-being (AOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.31, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The results of the present study could be used to develop activity programs or guidelines to monitor and prevent depression among older adults with NCDs by public health personnel, village health volunteers, community leaders, neighbors, family members, or elder-care providers.

Keywords: Depression; Older adults; Non-communicable diseases; Nonthaburi; Thailand

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2023.12.13917

Received 26 June 2023 | Revised 26 September 2023 | Accepted 24 October 2023