Influencing factors of depressive symptoms in the elderly in rural China: Based on a health ecological model

Abstract

Background Depressive symptoms has become an increasingly important public health issue, contributing to disability and disease burden around the world. Studies have found that social support is strongly associated with depression in rural older people, so it is important to explore the factors influencing depression in rural older people in a comprehensive manner and to analyze the association between social support and depression. Methods On the basis of a theoretical model of health ecological, data were obtained from The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in the 2018, with a sample consisting of 5,660 rural individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Then, Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were used for statistical description and inference. Results Results indicate that the prevalence of depressive symptoms amongst rural older adults in China is 41.18%. The logistic regression analysis reveals that being female (OR = 1.406, 95% CI: 1.170–1.689), having ≥ 3 non-communicable diseases (OR = 1.736, 95% CI: 1.447–2.082), being not satisfied with spouse (OR = 2.978, 95% CI: 2.304–3.849), and being not at all satisfied with children (OR = 3.640, 95% CI: 1.736–7.635) are significantly correlated with depression. Conclusions The prevalence of depression amongst rural Chinese older adults is obviously high. Women and the elderly with chronic diseases need to be focused on. Hence, this study suggests that promoting interactivity amongst family members, increasing their relationship satisfaction, and encouraging active participation in social activities are necessary to further reduce the risk of depression amongst rural Chinese older adults. The government should not only improve the social security system, but also provide financial support and assistance to the elderly in rural China.