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The associations between family characteristics and depressive symptoms in older adults: a community-based survey in rural China

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2012

Yanhong Gong ,
Xiaopiao Wen ,
Chaoping Guan ,
Zhiqing Wang  and
Yuan Liang
Yanhong Gong
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, Public Health School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Xiaopiao Wen
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, Public Health School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Chaoping Guan
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, Public Health School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
Zhiqing Wang
Affiliation:
WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention and Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, Beijing Hui Long Guan Hospital, Beijing, China
Yuan Liang*
Affiliation:
Department of Social Medicine, Public Health School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Yuan Liang, PhD, Department of Social Medicine, Public Health School, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan City 430030, Hubei Province, China. Phone: +86-27-83692719; Fax: +86-27-83692333. Email: liangyuan217@163.com.
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Abstract

Background: The aim of the current study was to investigate the associations between family characteristics and depressive symptoms, and provide new evidence and recommendations for prevention and intervention in the depressive symptoms of older adults.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted door-to-door, utilizing a sample of 1,317 individuals aged 60 years and above in rural China. The five family characteristic variables recorded were: living with spouse, living with descendant, support of family members, self-reported family economic status in the previous year, and family-related negative life events that occurred anytime in the past with a continuous psychological effect during the past 12 months. Gender, age, years of schooling, and self-rated physical health status were taken as potential confounders. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine independent effects on depressive symptoms.

Results: In addition to the potential confounders, only family-related negative life events, support of family members, and self-reported family economic status had significant effects on depressive symptoms in older adults. Experiencing a family-related negative life event was the most significant variable (OR = 11.70, 95% CI: 7.72–17.73), the second was support of family members (OR = 6.93, 95% CI: 3.26–14.70), while family economic status was less important than support of family members (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.08–5.25).

Conclusion: This study, from the perspective of family characteristics on depressive symptoms in older adults, showed a strong correlation between being exposed to harmful family environments and depressive symptoms among the elderly. Efforts to address family risk factors and strengthen family cohesiveness deserve a higher priority, given the importance of these factors, compared with other efforts such as promoting economic development.

Keywords

family characteristicsmental healththe aged
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 24 , Special Issue 8: Focus on late life depression , August 2012 , pp. 1226 - 1234
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2012

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