Association between Depression and Quality of Life among the aging population in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal

Background: Depression and quality of life (QoL) are major concerns among the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of depression and its relationship with QoL among older adults in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Nepal. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2024 to July 2025 involving 250 elderly participants aged [≥] 60 years. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). For data analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U tests, correlation tests, and binary logistic regression were used. Results: The prevalence of depression among elderly was 28.8%. Factors such as age, sex, marital status, living conditions, education level, income source, employment, chronic illnesses, and alcohol use were significantly associated with depression (p<0.05). The psychological and social aspectsy of life (QoL) were strongly linked to improved QoL (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively). Depression significantly impacted all QoL dimensions, with the most substantial effect on the environmental aspect (OR=17.37, 95% CI: 7.99-43.70). Conclusion: Depression is prevalent among the elderly in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, significantly impacting all aspects of their quality of life (QoL). Psychological and social aspects are crucial in determining the QoL of older adults. To address geriatric depression and improve the overall QoL of Nepal’s aging population, it is recommended to implement screening programs, establish social support groups, and train primary healthcare workers.