2Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı ÇANAKKALE
3Başkent Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı ANKARA
4Gazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Psikiyatri Anabilim Dalı ANKARA
5Gazi Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı ANKARA
6Sosyolog Ä°STANBUL Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the general health and disability status of the elderly living in nursing homes or in their own homes.
Materials and Method: The study was carried out in July, 2000 on 367 elderly, aged ≥60, living in two nursing homes in Ankara and at their own houses in three villages of Gölbafl›. A survey form including descriptive questions, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), the Brief Disability Questionnaire (BDQ), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was administered to participants.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the GHQ-12 and BDQ mean scores between those living in nursing homes and at home (p<0.05). Scores were higher for those living at nursing homes for both conditions. For those living in nursing homes, the risk factors for increased BDQ scores were being female, suffering from a chronic disease and to having a depression disorder. The risk factor for GHQ-12 was having a depression disorder (p<0.05).
Conclusion: We found that the GHQ-12 and BDQ scores were higher for those living in nursing homes compared to those living at home. The GHQ-12 and BDQ should be used as screening tools for the early diagnosis of psychological problems, especially for those living in nursing homes.
Keywords : Aged, Depression, Disability, Nursing home, Questionnaires