Depressão e ideação suicida em idosos com plegias por Acidentes Vascular Encefálico

Abstract

Introduction: The presence of a physical limitation, such as folding, in elderly individuals who present significant alterations in aging may represent an aggravating factor for the occurrence of mental illness. Depression is considered the most prevalent psychiatric illness among the elderly and a major risk factor for suicide. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of suicidal depression and suicidal ideation and its relationship with socio - demographic factors in elderly people with stroke. Methods: Descriptive, cross - sectional and quantitative study with a sample of 82 elderly people with stroke - related disorders enrolled in the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in the urban area of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil. Data were collected through home visits between May and August 2017. Three forms were used: sociodemographic, Geriatric Depression Scale (EDG-15) and Beck's Suicidal Ideation Scale (BSI). The analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical program, through the description of the variables and the chi-square, Fisher and Cronbach Alpha tests. The significance level of 5% was adopted. The research respected the ethical aspects involving human beings, as recommended by the National Health Council by Resolution 466/2012. Results: There was a predominance of female subjects (51.2%), aged between 60 and 96 (average of 73 years), low income (92.7%) and low schooling (80.5%), not white ( 63.4%), with religious creed (93.9%) and living with companion (51.2%) and relatives (90.2%). The internal consistency of BSI was satisfactory, with Cronbach's total alpha of 0.785 and 0.713 in parts 1 and 2 of the instrument, respectively. The prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation were, respectively, 56.1% and 23.8%. Among those who presented suicidal ideation, 10.5% made a suicide plan, 10.5% prepared for suicide and 5.2% attempted suicide. Depression in elderly people with stroke is associated with low income (p = 0.029), lower educational level (p = 0.006) and no partner (p = 0.042). Sociodemographic factors were not associated with suicidal ideation. The present study did not show a relation between depression and suicidal ideation. Conclusions: A high prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation was observed, and sociodemographic factors interfere in the occurrence of depression in elderly people with stroke follicles. The results show that special attention needs to be paid to the mental health of these elderly people, especially those with low income and schooling and without a partner. The present investigation provided support for the actions of nurses working in the FHT, aimed at the promotion of mental health, primary prevention of these diseases and early detection for the institution of treatment in a timely manner.