Depression and related factors in older people in China: a systematic review

Abstract

China has an increasing ageing population. Depression, as one of the most common problems in older people, is a concern that merits attention. This paper reviewed published studies of the prevalence of depression and its related factors in older people in China. Seventeen papers were identified by searching the following electronic databases: Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, China Academic Journal and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals. Whilst prevalence varied across studies, health status, social support, financial status, living arrangements and some demographic factors were consistently related to older people's depression. Further well-designed studies are needed to explore depression in older people in China to identify more culture-specific contributors to maximize well-being.

Inner strength as a mediator of the relationship between disease and self‐rated health among old people

“…This is in line with several studies showing that depression to various degrees is very common among older people (e.g. Ravaglia et al 2008, Weyerer et al 2008) and affects the health experience (Chen et al 2012).…”

Self‐rated health and associated factors among older people living alone in Shanghai

“…51 Depression has been identified as having a strong impact on older people's SRH. 54 This suggests a need for effective strategies to reduce depression to improve the SRH of older people living alone in Shanghai. Some depressive symptoms and depressionassociated negative mood might cause older people to perceive their health negatively, and consequently reduce their satisfaction with their health status.…”

“…53 Notably, however, the prevalence of depression in the present study (47.6%) was higher than that reported in previous studies regarding depression in Chinese older people. 54 This suggests a need for effective strategies to reduce depression to improve the SRH of older people living alone in Shanghai.…”

Life negative events and depressive symptoms: the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey

“…Older adults without a spouse (i.e., widowed, divorced, or unmarried) had a higher risk of depression than those with a spouse, which was consistent with other findings. Widowed, divorced or separated older adults have experienced more stressful life events and have a relatively higher level of loneliness, which is one of the manifestations of depression [12,40,41]. Moreover, family member's support was a significant indicator of DS of older adults [12].…”