Journal of International Psychiatry

Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the trends in depressive symptoms among rural middle-aged and elderly in China from 2011 to 2018, and to provide a reference for research related to the promotion of mental health. Methods The study used the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2018 CHARLS to measure depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale 10-item short scale. Multifactorial analyses were conducted using dichotomous logistic regression models and linear regression models. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms in rural middle-aged and elderly was 41.30% in 2018, 1.22 times higher than in 2011 (95% CI: 1.13-1.32). Being female, over 70 years of age, living alone, sleeping less than 6 hours, smoking and drinking, having a chronic disease and disability are risk factors for depressive symptoms. Conclusion The prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas of China showed a trend of decreasing and then increasing from 2011 to 2018. Priority targets should be identified based on risk factors, and mental health guidance should be strengthened to promote the mental health of middle-aged and elderly.

Middle-aged and elderly, Depressive symptoms; Trends; China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study