Knowledge of primary health care physicians regarding depression in elderly

Objectives: To assess the knowledge of primary healthcare physicians regarding elderly depression, and to study the association of different variables with the knowledge score. Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to June 30, 2019, in 30 primary health care centres under the Al-Karkh Health Directorate, Baghdad, Iraq, and comprised all physicians present at the time. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire about the knowledge regarding depression in elderly patients aged >65 years along with risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Data were analysed using SPSS 24. Results: Among the 149 participants, 69(46.3%) were aged >40 years, 116(77.9%) were females, 97(65.1%) were family physicians, and 96(65%) had good score regarding overall knowledge. Family physicians, specialists and those aged >40 years had significantly better knowledge level (p<0.05). Conclusions: The physicians had a good knowledge about elderly depression.