Work

Associations between self-rated health and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-lagged panel analysis (2011–2020)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the aging of the population accelerates, mental health is important to the quality of life of middle-aged and older people, as well as to the healthcare system and the economy. This study focuses on the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-rated health in middle-aged and older people, as well as whether this relationship differs between urban and rural China. METHODS: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The final analysis included 10503 participants aged 45 years or above. The longitudinal cross-lagged panel analysis was used to assess the relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The model revealed a bidirectional relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Self-rated health at each time point had a significant effect on subsequent depressive symptoms, and vice versa. However, no urban-rural disparities in these relationships. CONCLUSION: Self-rated health and depressive symptoms were interrelated over time among middle-aged and older adults. To ensure the mental health and quality of life in later life of middle-aged and older adults, it is essential to assess and manage both self-rated health and depressive symptoms.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321272

Authors: Shuyan Leng, Lihua Yao, Jiajia Deng

Institution: Chongqing Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Health, and Disability

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382