【摘要】 目的 了解老年恶性肿瘤患者的抑郁状况及引起抑郁的因素，并针对抑郁的主要因素制定多层次、全方位、科学的护理干预措施，改善老年恶性肿瘤患者的抑郁心理，提高其生活质量。 方法 对2009年12月-2010年4月183例老年恶性肿瘤患者分别应用一般资料调查表和 Brink的老年抑郁量表（GDS）进行调查。从文化程度，疾病认识程度，对社会、家庭支持的满意度，付费方式等方面进行了比较和分析。 结果 老年恶性肿瘤患者的抑郁患病率为80.87%。明显高于一般老年人及老年慢性病患者；而不同文化程度、对疾病认知程度、患者对社会、家庭支持的满意度与抑郁情绪的发生有一定的关系（Plt;0.05）。 结论 护理人员需加强对患者的疾病知识的健康教育，努力提高患者的社会支持满意度，以减轻患者的抑郁情绪。【Abstract】 Objective To explore the state and the etiology of depression in patients with geratic malignant tumor, and to develop the global and scientific nursing management for patient with geratic malignant tumor, and improve the patients′ depression and life quality. Methods A total of 183 patients with geratic malignant tumor from December 2009 to April 2010 were investigated by questionnaire survey with Brink′s geratic-depression-scale (GDS). The education level, disease′s awareness level, satisfaction level for family and scocial supports, and the payment mode were analyzed. Results Depressive prevalence in malignant tumor patients (80.87%) was much higher than that in the normal elder people (10%-15%) and in the patients with chronic disease (31.0%). Different education level, disease′s awareness level, satisfaction level for family and social supports were related to the depressive prevalence (Plt;0.05). Conclusion Nursing faculty should enhance the health education to the patients with geratic malignant tumor, increase the satisfaction for social support and decrease their depression.