Dependency, Self-Esteem, and Depression of The Elderly at Thakanon Sub-D District, Kiriratnikom District in Suratthani Province

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were: (1) to study the level of dependency, self- esteem and depression of the elderly, (2) to compare depression of the older persons by personal factors, (3) to study the relationship between dependency and depression of the elderly, and (4) to study the relationship between self- esteem and  dependency of the elderly. Sample of this study were 308 of older person at Thakanon Sub – district, Kirirathnikom in Suratthani Provinece, were selected by stratified random sampling. The research tools were questionnaires and analyzed by package statistical program. The statistical methods were percentage, mean, standard deviation, t – test, F – test (one way ANOVA), multiple comparisons (LSD) (Least Significant Difference) and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The statistical significance level was at .05. and .01 level.

          The results of the study were as follows: (1) depression was at a low level, dependency was at a moderate level and self-esteem was at a high level, (2) the elderly with different age, marital status, congenital disease, residence, and income had differences in depression with statistical significance at .05, (3) dependency was positively correlated with depression with statistical significance at .01, and (4) Self-Esteem was negatively correlated with depression with statistical significance at .01. level.