Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Emotional Quality of Life and Help-Seeking Propensity among Elderly: the case of Mekedonia Humanitarian Association Addis Ababa (Ayat)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression, suicidal ideation, emotional quality of life, and help-seeking propensity among the elderly treated by the Mekedonia Humanitarian Association, Addis Ababa Ayat. A mixed-approach, explanatory, sequential research design was employed. The Total population 450 elderly and the samples of 212 elders were selected using simple random sampling and purposive sampling. Standardized scales and interviews were used to collect data. Descriptive, structural equation modeling, mediation analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The prevalence result showed a 46% and 35% prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation, respectively. Moreover, a mediation analysis of the direct effect showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between depression and emotional quality of life. Indirect effect analysis indicated that help-seeking propensity partially and statistically mediates the relationship between depression, suicidal ideation, and emotional quality of life (β= 0.-48 t=-7, p= 0.00 0r P=<0.01) Gender difference analysis also indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in depression and suicidal ideation between male and female elders, with female elders having more depression and suicidal ideation than their male counterparts P= <0.05 0r P=0.001 Conclusively, elders in the humanitarian association had depression and suicidal ideation, in which the emotional quality of life is weak when help-seeking propensity, is absent. Thus, the study suggested that the organization should provide training and a developmental psychoeducational program focused on help-seeking propensity in order to lessen depression and suicidal ideation and enhance the emotional quality of life among elders.