A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Laughter Therapy on Depression among Elderly Residing in Selected Old Age Home at Madurai

Abstract

Objectives: The main objectives were assessing the level of depression among the elderly residing in old age home at Madurai. To assess the effectiveness of laughter therapy on depression among elderly residing in old age home at Madurai. To associate the level of depression among elderly residing in old age home with their selected sociodemographic variables. Design: Pre-experimental research design (one group pre-test post-test) used for this study Setting of the Study: The study was conducted in old age home named Sellur old age home, Sellur at Madurai. It is run with the support of primary health center, Madurai Subjects: A total of 40 subjects were included in the study. Intervention: laughter therapy last for 20–40 seconds, followed by clapping and “ho ho ha ha ha” exercises. Take two deep breaths after every laughter exercises Main outcome measure: Section-A: There was no score allotted for socio-demographic variables. Section-B: Geriatrics depression Scale which consisted of 15 items. The tool consisted 15 items, among which 10 items were positively scored and the remaining 5 items were scored reversely. Level of Depression: Normal: 04, Mild: 5–8, Moderate: 9–11 Sever: 12–15 Laughter therapy: Frequency: Twice a day Duration of therapy: 10 sessions, Duration: 15–20 min. Findings: Majority of the elderly 30 (75%) were in the age group of 65–70 years, Majority of them 25 (62.5%) were males. Most of the elderly 27 (67.5%) were Hindus and 18 (45%) have studied up to middle level. Considering the previous occupational status, majority 17 (42.5%) were coolly workers. With reference to source of income majority of the elderly 15 (37.5%) were dependent on Government old age pension. Majority of the elderly 34 (85%) were married, and 22 (55%) had two children, Majority of the elderly 24 (60%) were hailed from joint family. Considering the occupation of elder’s children, Majority 21 (52.5%) were working in local area. Majority of the elderly 24 (60%) were admitted in the old age home by family members, Majority of duration of stay in the old age home 26 (62.5%) were residing in old age home for 1–2 years. Considering the relatives of elderly visit time to the old age home, 19 (47.5%) were visiting three months once. Majority of the elderly 26 (65%) did not have any medical illness, 26 (65%) did not take any medications and the remaining 14 (35%) of them were taking regular medications for certain illnesses. In the pre-test majority 16 (40%) had mild level of depression, 24 (60%) had moderate level of depression. Where as in the post-test 19 (47.5%) had mild depression, 15 (37.5%) of them had no depression and 6(15%) had moderate depression. There was a highly significant difference in the mean scores between pre-test and post-test in relation to depression among elderly. The mean post-test depression score 5.15 was significantly lesser than the mean pre-test depression score 8.48, this difference in mean is a true difference by the intervention laughter therapy and not by chance. There was a significant association between levels of depression and age (χ2 = c2=4.80), sex (c2=5.22), medical illness (c2=7.62), history of taking medicines (c2=3.96), among elderly in the old age home. There was no significant association between the post-test level of depression and the other sociodemographic variables such as religion, education, previous occupation, source of income, and marital status, number of children, type of family, occupation of children, and mode of entry, duration of stay, and relatives visit time to old age home. Laughter therapy was effective in reducing the depression levels of the elderly residing at old age homes. Conclusion: There was a significant difference between mean pre-test and mean post-test depression scores among elderly in old age home at P<0.005 level of significance. There was a significant association between the level of depression and age, sex, medical illness, and history of taking medicines among elderly in the old age home. There was no significant association between the post-test level of depression and the other sociodemographic variables such as religion, education, previous occupation source of income, and marital status, number of children, type of family, occupation of children, and mode of entry, duration of stay, relatives visit time to old age home at P<0.05 level of significance.