THE EFFECT OF SLOW STROKE BACK MASSAGE (SSBM) THERAPY ON REDUCING DEPRESSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN THE ELDERLY

Abstract

Background: Indonesia has entered an aging population structure since 2021, with the elderly population over 60 predicted to reach 10% in developing countries. Mental health challenges among the elderly are increasingly critical, with 42.09% experiencing health complaints, including depression. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) therapy on reducing depression symptoms among elderly individuals in the Bandaharjo Health Center area in Semarang. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre and post-test method, the research involved 50 elderly women experiencing mild depression symptoms. Depression levels were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) before and after SSBM therapy, which was administered twice weekly for 7 days. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Pre-therapy depression scores averaged 6.24 (SD=1.135), which decreased significantly to 2.26 (SD=1.382) after therapy. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test yielded a Z value of -6.189 with a p-value <0.001. All participants showed improvement from mild depression to normal condition post-intervention. Conclusion: SSBM therapy effectively reduces depression levels among elderly women, providing empirical evidence supporting non-pharmacological interventions in elderly mental health management.