This 8 page paper provides an overview of a proposal for a research study on the issue of depression in the elderly population. This paper specifically looks at institutionalized elderly and the impacts of variables that determine the onset of depression. Further, this paper also considers the issue of mortality and the link to depression, and the application of a holistic nursing model to address depression.
Name of Research Paper File: MH11_mhelddep.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
both physical and mental health issues. Depression among these populations is high, and researchers have proposed a number of different nursing-based measures to reduce the prevalence of depression in
elderly populations (Geriatrics, 2000). Depression among the elderly is viewed as a substantial problem, primarily because it causes an increase in suicide rates in institutionalized populations (Geriatrics, 2000).
Suicide, though, is not the only problem associated with increasing rates of depression in the elderly. Depressed patients are less likely to advocate for positive health care models, less
likely to seek treatment for underlying health concerns, and less likely to adequately communicate their needs for nurses and other health professionals (Geriatrics, 2000). All of these problems correspond
with higher mortality rates among depressed adults. This research proposal incorporates a quasi-experimental methodology that allows for the assessment of variables which lead to depression in adults, and the application
of a holistic nursing model, which is designed to reduce the problems associated with depression by addressing depression itself. The following are the central components of the research methodology
for this proposed study: METHODS The research design to be used in this project is quasi-experimental and quantitative, and charts will be utilized to present the data collected as
well as to demonstrate projections for use in future planning for nursing paradigms to address depression in elderly populations. The study will incorporate both descriptive and inferential statistics, in
order to demonstrate the link between specific methods for addressing depressive symptoms, and narrative outcomes presented through interview processes. Independent/Dependent Variables The independent variables for this study
are participation in the holistic nursing model and nursing interventions. The dependent variables for this study are: lack of family involvement, family history of depression, depression prior to admission