Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression and Suicide Risk Among Older Adults with Noncommunicable Diseases: A Cross-sectional Study in Nakhon Chai Burin, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Older adults experience a progressive decline across various domains, often accompanied by physical and mental health problems. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) may lead to mental health disorders, particularly depression and an increased risk of suicide. Objectives: To examine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and suicide risk among older adults with NCDs in Nakhon Chai Burin, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 400 older adults with NCDs attending NCD clinics at subdistrict health-promoting hospitals in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Surin provinces. Data were collected using questionnaires on self-care for mental well-being, depression, suicide risk, and quality of life. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics [odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)] were used for analysis. Results: Most participants were female (54.12%) with a mean age of 60.95 ± 13.14 years. Hypertension was the most common condition (68.42%), and 47.29% had comorbidities. The mean duration of illness was 9.42 ± 6.93 years. Additionally, the prevalence of depression was 35.25%, and that of suicide risk was 12.75%. Common problems included pain/discomfort (45.93%), mobility issues (30.23%), and anxiety/depression (21.04%). Depression was significantly associated with female sex (OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.53 - 3.63, P < 0.001), age ≥ 70 years (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.39 - 3.21, P < 0.001), having ≥ 2 comorbidities (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.16 - 2.70, P = 0.008), illness duration ≥ 10 years (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.55 - 3.78, P < 0.001), mobility limitations (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.65 - 4.06, P < 0.001), difficulty with activities of daily living (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.08 - 3.69, P = 0.027), and poor mental self-care (OR = 6.08, 95% CI = 3.60 - 10.30, P < 0.001). Similarly, suicide risk was linked to illness duration ≥ 10 years (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.00 - 3.46, P < 0.05), mobility limitations (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.05 - 3.46, P < 0.05), anxiety/depression (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.14 - 3.93, P < 0.05), and poor self-care (OR = 3.50, 95% CI = 1.92 - 6.40, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Approximately one-third of older adults with NCDs experienced depression, while one in nine were at risk of suicide. Notably, the rates were higher among females and those with mobility limitations. These findings underscore the need for context-specific interventions for prevention and care planning.