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

<h4>Background</h4>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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shuyan Leng, Lihua Yao, Jiajia Deng
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321272
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Summary:<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>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.<h4>Conclusion</h4>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.
ISSN:1932-6203