MENTAL HEALTH OF ELDERLY PEOPLE RESIDENT IN SOCIAL ASSISTANCE NETWORKS FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN THE ZONA DA MATA MINEIRA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Population aging is an inevitable feature of developing countries, the growth of the elderly population increases the demand for long-stay institutions for the elderly (ILPI). The transformation in the life of the institutionalized elderly can be a risk factor for the development of mental illnesses. OBJECTIVES: Investigate the prevalence of anxiety or depression in institucionalized elderly people in municipalities of Minas Gerais(MG) state. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study will be carried out on the mental health of elderly residents in social assistance networks for the elderly between March and May 2023. Data collection will be carried out using a questionnaire specifically designed for the study and two other validated questionnaires. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 50 elderlies residing in ILPIs located in Juiz de Fora 19 (38%), Tocantins 19(38%) and Guarani 12 (24%). The results revealed a notable assotiation between the degree of scholarity and the elderly group distribuition, being highlighed the educationl disparity between the groups, as well as in the salary range. The visit number received by the elderly and the time they spent outide the ILPIs. In the focus of the study, a difference was found between the number of elderly people without depression compared to those with the mild form of the disease, both among residents of the countryside and of Juiz de Fora. The majority being of the male sex 32 (64%) with an avarage+DP of 76± years of age. DISCUSSION: In front of the discrepancy of the anxiety and depression rates in elderly people that reside in Juiz de Fora and interior cities of the MG state, this study brings to light the complex interaction of factor that affect the mental health of the institutionalized elderlies, highlighting the utter importance of the holistic approach and personalized to attend the necessity of this population in constant growth.