Association Between Geriatric Depression and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Older Nigerian Adults: A Multicenter Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background/Objectives Older adults with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are at increased risk of psychological distress and reduced quality of life, yet evidence on depressive symptoms among older Nigerians with MSDs remains limited. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of clinically significant depressive symptoms among older adults with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in southeastern Nigeria, exploring both clinical and sociodemographic correlates. Methods A multicenter cross‐sectional survey was conducted from June 2024 to August 2025 across 30 healthcare facilities in 15 Local Government Areas within five southeastern Nigerian states. Using a multistage sampling technique, 718 older adults (aged ≥ 60 years; mean age: 71.5) with confirmed MSD diagnoses were recruited. Data were collected using the culturally adapted Geriatric Depression and Musculoskeletal Disorders Assessment Questionnaire (GeDMoDAQ). Geriatric depression was measured using the GDS‐15. Statistical analyses included chi‐square tests and multivariate logistic regression; significance was set at p  < 0.05. Results The prevalence of severe depressive symptoms was 61.3%. Statistically significant associations were found between depression and several MSDs, including polymyalgia rheumatica ( χ 2  = 88.21, p  < 0.001), spinal stenosis ( χ 2  = 88.68, p  < 0.001), osteoarthritis ( χ 2  = 120.76, p  < 0.001), and rheumatoid arthritis ( χ 2  = 50.96, p  < 0.001). Sociodemographic predictors included age ≥ 70 years (OR = 2.23, p  < 0.001), female gender (OR = 3.45, p  < 0.001), Christian affiliation (OR = 3.75, p  < 0.001), married status (OR = 3.00, p  < 0.001), and living with family (OR = 3.23, p  = 0.017). Education level was not significantly associated ( p  = 0.292). Conclusion There is a high burden of geriatric depression among older adults with MSDs in southeastern Nigeria, driven by both clinical and social factors. These findings underscore the need for integrated mental and musculoskeletal health services, especially within primary care settings in low‐resource contexts.