Abstract:
Older adults with chronic illnesses are at high risk of developing depression,
cognitive impairment, and disability. However, limited research has examined
the interrelationships between these conditions in post-conflict regions such
as Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. This study aimed to assess prevalence and
associated factors of depression, cognitive impairment, and disability among
older adults with chronic illnesses in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. A descriptive
cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 older adults (≥60 years) with
chronic illnesses attending follow-up clinics at Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.
Validated assessment tools were used, including the Geriatric Depression
Scale, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0,
and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarise the data. Pearson’s correlation was applied to assess the
associations between depression, cognitive impairment, and disability.
Depression was prevalent in 69% of participants, with 22% experiencing
severe symptoms. Cognitive impairment and disability were observed in 68%
and 86% of participants, respectively. Depression was significantly correlated
with disability (r=0.418, p<0.001), while cognitive impairment was negatively
correlated with both depression (r=-0.216, p<0.001) and disability (r=-0.305,
p<0.001). This study found that depression, cognitive impairment, and
disability are highly prevalent among older adults with chronic illnesses in
Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Depression was closely linked to higher levels of
disability, while cognitive impairment showed weaker associations with both
conditions. The findings point to an urgent need for comprehensive geriatric
assessments, community-based rehabilitation programs, and caregiver
support mechanisms in Sri Lanka and similar settings.
