Depression in left-behind elderly in rural China: Prevalence and associated factors

Aim Several studies have reported the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the urban population of China, but no study reports the prevalence of depression in rural left‐behind elderly. The present study investigated the prevalence of depression and the associated factors that influence depression in the left‐behind elderly population in a rural area of China. Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out. A total of 509 participants were surveyed, and all participants completed the Geriatric Depression Scale (long form). Information on sex, age, education level, living situation, number of chronic diseases, amount of economic support received, frequency of children's visits and physical activity was collected. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms in rural left‐behind elderly was 36.94%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in women (45.10%) than in men (33.43%). The prevalence of severe depression was 1.96%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the 71–80 years age group (45.19%) was higher than the 65–70 years (37.44%) and >80 years age groups (5.97%). However, the prevalence of moderate and severe depression was higher in the 65–70 years age group (3.95%) than in other age groups. The frequency of children's visits, living situation, physical activity, number of chronic diseases and education level were the main risk factors of depression. Conclusions The prevalence of depressive symptoms is higher in left‐behind elderly in rural areas than in the general elderly population. Psychological intervention is necessary for improving the mental health of elderly people living in rural areas of China. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 638–643.