Depression is a prevalent and debilitating mental health disorder that significantly affects emotional well-being and daily functioning, especially in older adults(1). In Colombia, depression is a growing public health concern; however, regional data on aging populations are limited (2). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among adults aged 50 and older in the southern departments of Huila and Caquetá, Colombia, and associated risk factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2018 to 2025, involving 1,123 participants aged 50–59 and 60 years and above. Depression was screened using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and cognitive function was assessed with the Colombian version of the CERAD neuropsychological battery and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R). The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi®, based on a global prevalence of depressive symptoms (41%) (3), 5% precision, and 99.9% confidence, esulting in a minimum required sample of 1,047 participants. Overall, 8.9% (n=100) screened positive for depression. The highest prevalence occurred among individuals aged 80 and above, followed by those aged 50–59. Of those, 7.6% (n=85) had moderate depression and 1.34% (n=15) major depression. Lower cognitive performance [OR: 0.85 (0.77–0.95)] were significant risk factors, while older age was protective [OR: 0.97 (0.94–0.99)]. Other variables, including low socioeconomic status, showed no significant associations. These findings highlight a substantial burden of depressive symptoms among older adults in southern Colombia and underscore the need for early detection and age-specific mental health interventions.

Authors:
Alfredis Gonzalez Hernandez, Universidad Surcolombiana, Colombia
Jasmin Bonilla Santos, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Colombia
Duván Fernando Gómez-Morales, Universidad Surcolombiana, Colombia
Dorian Yisela Cala-Martínez, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Colombia

About the Presenter(s)
Alfredis González Hernández is Full Professor and Senior Researcher at Universidad Surcolombiana. His research focuses on normal and pathological aging, preclinical markers of Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers, and childhood neurodevelopmental disorder

Jasmín Bonilla Santos is a Full Professor and Senior Researcher at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Neiva campus, where she leads the Psicosaberes research group. Her research focuses on neuroaging, cognitive impairment and social cognition.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jasmin-Bonilla-Santos

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