Gender differences in depressive symptoms of rural Chinese grandparents caring for grandchildren

Abstract

Background Caring for grandchildren is regarded as one of the principle roles of middle- and old-aged adults, especially among rural Chinese grandparents. This study aims to examine the gender differences in depressive symptoms of rural Chinese grandparents caring for grandchildren, based on the gender differences in grandparental role engagement and the theories of role strain and role enhancement. Methods A total of 4833 rural citizens with one or more grandchildren were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2015. Grandchild care was measured by continuous variable (duration) and categorical variable (no care, low intensity, moderate intensity, high intensity). Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). We used coarsened exact matching (CEM) to balance the covariates of caregivers and non-caregivers. Following CEM, 1975 non-caregivers and 2212 caregivers were identified (N = 4187). Multilevel linear regression was employed to examine the gender differences in depressive symptoms. We also tested for the moderating role of gender on the association between grandchild care and depressive symptoms. Results Grandmothers were more likely to provide grandchild care (54.42% vs 51.43%) at high intensity (61.46% vs 51.01%), with longer duration (39.24 h vs 33.15 h) than that given by grandfathers. Grandmothers suffered more from depressive symptoms than grandfathers, and such gap increased when grandparents were involved in high-intensity care. Grandmothers providing grandchild care, particularly at moderate intensity, were associated with fewer depressive symptoms (Coef. = − 0.087, 95%CI: − 0.163, − 0.010; Coef. = − 0.291, 95%CI: − 0.435, − 0.147), compared with non-caregivers. Grandmothers giving moderate intensity of grandchild care were also associated with fewer depressive symptoms (Coef. = − 0.171, 95% CI: − 0.313, − 0.029), compared with those with low-intensity care. However, such associations were not significant among grandfathers. Conclusions Our findings highlight the gender differences in depressive symptoms of rural Chinese grandparents caring for grandchildren. Grandparents should be encouraged to engage in grandchild care, but at moderate intensity. The health status of middle- and old-aged adults, particularly females, should be monitored closely. Humanistic care, preventive care and curative treatment strategies focusing on such populations should be developed and refined.

The impact of grandparenting on mental health among rural middle-aged and older adults in China: exploring the role of children’s support

“…The results of this study support Hypothesis 1, indicating that grandparenting is negatively associated with depression among rural middle-aged and older adults. These results align with the findings of previous studies ( 37 – 39 ). For example, Yang ( 40 ) conducted a comparative study in the UK, another European country, and China, and found that grandparenting in low-income countries could mitigate depressive symptoms, unlike in high-income countries.…”

Association between caring for grandchildren based on living arrangements and cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: The mediating roles of social activities and depressive symptoms

“…This study suggested that social activities and depressive symptoms played intermediary roles between caring for grandchildren and cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Our finding was consistent with some studies which showed that providing grandchildren care could reduce depressive symptoms ( 17 , 34 , 39 ). A cohort study showed that depression was a risk factor for dementia ( 40 ).…”

“…A study by Vinkers et al also found that cognitive impairment was associated with exacerbating depressive symptoms ( 24 ). Moreover, some studies showed that caring for grandchildren can promote mental health in older adults ( 34 , 39 ). Thus, caring for grandchildren could help grandparents get emotional support, reduce depressive symptoms, and improve their cognitive function.…”

Grandparents’ Family Functions in Grandchildrearing in Japan, and Its Effect Factors

“…Regarding gender differences, grandfathers scored higher on the function of grandchildren's character development and own wellbeing, whereas grandmothers scored higher on emotional support for parents. Further, grandmothers were more likely to raise their grandchildren for longer periods [38,39]. Grandparents' employment status had no significant effect on their family functions.…”