EFFECT OF CLOWN INTERVENTIONS ON DEPRESSION LEVELS AMONG THE GERIATRIC LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of clown interventions on depression levels along the institutionalized elderly. Method: Quantitative study with an experimental approach, performed in institution geriatric long term Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used in the reduced version of Yesavage (GDS-15) applied at two points and two elderly groups, having an intervention group (n = 14) and the other control (n = 10). The intervention consisted of visits, where academic gowns clown performed activities in clown mode. The statistical comparison of the effectiveness of interventions was performed using the JT method. Results: Of the 24 elderly participants, 14 (63.6%) were female and 10 (36.4%) were male. The application of the scale in the first time demonstrated that in the control group 40% had depression and after activities 50% had such a framework. You experimental group no changes were observed in the number of individuals with depressive disorder before and after the interventions. Thus, it can be inferred that therapy was beneficial humor point of view of non-progression of depression among institutionalized elderly. Conclusion: Become necessary new studies about the effectiveness of clown animation for improvement of traits of depression in institutionalized elderly. Key words: Laughter therapy, depression, elderly, geriatric long-term care institution