NUTRITION STATUS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY PEPOPLE

Introduction: There is some evidence indicating that nutritional status of elderly has a significant impact on their physical health, but its relationship with their mood, especially depression, requires careful and systemic consideration. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status and depression in elderly people. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 260 elderly individuals from the city of Semnan (Iran) were enrolled in 2015, with considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data collection tool was questionnaire scales that briefly assess the demographic and nutritional status with mini nutritional assessment (MNA) and depression with geriatric depression scale (GDS). Results: Results indicated that 5.8% (n=15) had malnutrition, 53.1% (n=138) were at the risk of malnutrition and the other 41.2% (n=107) were normal. Also 21.9% (n=57) were at severe depression (20-30), 34.2% (n=89) had mild depression (10-19) and the other seniors 43.8% (n=114) were not depressed. Remarkably, there was a significant negative correlation (R= -0.594, P <0.001) between the healthy nutritional status and the depression. Conclusion: The finding showed that more than half of the elderly people in Semnan were at risk of malnutrition. The association of nutritional status with depression was significant in the elderly. The identification and basic planning are needed to revise and improve the nutritional status of this important group with vulnerable mental status. Keywords: Aged, Nutritional Status, Depression