The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database

Abstract Background Speech impairments significantly affect communication and are associated with social and psychological difficulties, particularly among adults aged 45 years and older. This study examines the relationship between speech impairments and depression using data from the China Health...

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Main Authors: Jinsong Mou, Haishan Zhou, Shiya Huang, Zhangui Feng, Junqun Fang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-03-01
Series:BMC Psychiatry
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06621-w
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author Jinsong Mou
Haishan Zhou
Shiya Huang
Zhangui Feng
Junqun Fang
author_facet Jinsong Mou
Haishan Zhou
Shiya Huang
Zhangui Feng
Junqun Fang
author_sort Jinsong Mou
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Speech impairments significantly affect communication and are associated with social and psychological difficulties, particularly among adults aged 45 years and older. This study examines the relationship between speech impairments and depression using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Methods A total of 67,014 participants aged 45 years and older were included in the analysis. The baseline characteristics of participants with and without speech impairments were compared using chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to assess the association between speech impairments and depression. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore variations across different demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Results Participants with speech impairments exhibited a significantly greater likelihood of depression, with adjusted odds ratios (Model II: OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.56–2.97, p < 0.0001) and higher depression scores (Model II: β = 3.03, 95% CI: 2.24–3.81, p < 0.0001) after controlling for confounders. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings. Subgroup analysis revealed consistent associations across all the examined subgroups, with a statistically significant interaction between speech impairments and place of residence (p for interaction = 0.02), indicating a stronger association in urban residents. Conclusion Speech impairments are strongly associated with a greater likelihood of depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. This finding underscores the importance of targeted mental health interventions and support for this population, particularly in urban settings. Clinical trial number Not applicable.
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spelling doaj-art-d2e8132fe12a4df1b2aea1d2f3804e5e2025-08-20T01:57:51ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2025-03-0125111010.1186/s12888-025-06621-wThe association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS databaseJinsong Mou0Haishan Zhou1Shiya Huang2Zhangui Feng3Junqun Fang4Pingshan District Maternal & Child Healthcare Hospital of ShenzhenPingshan District Maternal & Child Healthcare Hospital of ShenzhenPingshan District Maternal & Child Healthcare Hospital of ShenzhenPingshan District Maternal & Child Healthcare Hospital of ShenzhenHunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care HospitalAbstract Background Speech impairments significantly affect communication and are associated with social and psychological difficulties, particularly among adults aged 45 years and older. This study examines the relationship between speech impairments and depression using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Methods A total of 67,014 participants aged 45 years and older were included in the analysis. The baseline characteristics of participants with and without speech impairments were compared using chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to assess the association between speech impairments and depression. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore variations across different demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Results Participants with speech impairments exhibited a significantly greater likelihood of depression, with adjusted odds ratios (Model II: OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.56–2.97, p < 0.0001) and higher depression scores (Model II: β = 3.03, 95% CI: 2.24–3.81, p < 0.0001) after controlling for confounders. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings. Subgroup analysis revealed consistent associations across all the examined subgroups, with a statistically significant interaction between speech impairments and place of residence (p for interaction = 0.02), indicating a stronger association in urban residents. Conclusion Speech impairments are strongly associated with a greater likelihood of depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. This finding underscores the importance of targeted mental health interventions and support for this population, particularly in urban settings. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06621-wSpeech impairmentsDepressionMiddle-aged and elderlyCHARLS
spellingShingle Jinsong Mou
Haishan Zhou
Shiya Huang
Zhangui Feng
Junqun Fang
The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database
BMC Psychiatry
Speech impairments
Depression
Middle-aged and elderly
CHARLS
title The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database
title_full The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database
title_fullStr The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database
title_full_unstemmed The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database
title_short The association between speech impairments and depression in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: insights from the CHARLS database
title_sort association between speech impairments and depression in chinese adults aged 45 and older insights from the charls database
topic Speech impairments
Depression
Middle-aged and elderly
CHARLS
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06621-w
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