Prevalence and factors influencing depression among empty nesters in China: A meta-analysis

Song, Caini; Yao, Libo; Chen, Huisu; Song, Yanning; Liu, Lihua

doi:10.1186/s12877-023-04064-0

Cited by 11 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…These empty-nesters are more fragile to mental issues, especially depression because they have difficulty obtaining support from family. 66 , 67 One study showed that the overall prevalence of depression among Chinese empty-nesters was 43% in the 5337 samples. 66 Our study found that internet use significantly enhances the friend networks of Chinese older adults, and the mediating effect of friend networks is greater than that of family networks.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“… 66 , 67 One study showed that the overall prevalence of depression among Chinese empty-nesters was 43% in the 5337 samples. 66 Our study found that internet use significantly enhances the friend networks of Chinese older adults, and the mediating effect of friend networks is greater than that of family networks. This finding, however, offers us an innovative perspective on combating depression in older adults in China.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The association between internet use and depression among older adults in China: The mediating role of social networks

Wang,

Zhu,

et al. 2023

DIGITAL HEALTH

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Objective In the aging world, the depression of older adults has aroused great concern. It brings detrimental side effects to old adults and the sustainability of society. The information and communication technologies have reshaped how people live among which the Internet has gained much popularity in the senior community. This study aims to explore the association between Internet use and depression in older adults. Methods This study applied a representative national dataset (China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, CLASS 2018) to examine by conducting regression analysis. Inspired by the social capital theory, we further examined the mediating role of general social networks (as a general concept) and specific networks (family and friend networks) in reducing depression. All calculations and analyses were conducted by STATA. Results (a) Internet use significantly reduces depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults; (b) internet use enhances social network support for Chinese older adults; and (c) social networks in general and family networks and friend networks in specific all play a mediating role between internet use and depression symptoms. Conclusion This work proved that internet use could reduce depression levels in older adults in China, and social networks, including family networks and friend networks, have a mediation role in the relationship between internet use and depression in older adults in China. Combined with the Chinese social context, we explained that the existence of an empty-nest elderly community in Chinese society and the emphasis on kinship in Chinese tradition may be the reasons. Based on the main findings, tailor-made suggestions for addressing depression issues among older adults were discussed.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The association between internet use and depression among older adults in China: The mediating role of social networks

Wang,

Zhu,

et al. 2023

DIGITAL HEALTH

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“…With the transformation of the family life cycle, and the trend of independent living for children after marriage, the traditional family system’s position is weakened, more and more older adults people are becoming empty nesters ( 7 , 8 ). The “empty nester” refers to the older adults (over 65 years of age) who live alone or with spouse, because they have no children or their children are married or work outside for a long time ( 9 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intervention effects of telenursing based on M-O-A model in empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases: a randomized controlled trial

Yuan,

Hou,

Wang

et al. 2024

Front. Public Health

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AimThis study aims to verify the effectiveness of M-O-A telenursing intervention model in improving the health status and quality of life of the empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases by a randomized comparative trial.MethodsM-O-A telenursing intervention model was constructed based on the needs of the participants. The control group (N = 39) received routine nursing, the experimental group (N = 39) received M-O-A telenursing intervention in addition to routine nursing. After 12 weeks of intervention, the intervention effects of being a participant in the two groups were evaluated. SPSS 26.0 was used for data analysis.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of intervention, for the experimental group, each dimension of quality of life based on EQ-5D-3L became better, especially for “pain/discomfort,” “anxiety/depression,” “HRQoL” and “EQ-VAS” (all p < 0.05) and each dimension of quality of life based on SF-36 became better too, especially for “GH,” “BP,” “RE,” “MH,” “VT,” “SF,” “PCS,” “MCS,” “SF-36” (all p < 0.05). In addition, there was a statistical downward trend in blood pressure, blood glucose, weight, BMI, fat rate, nap duration, number of nocturnal awakenings, light sleep rate and a statistical upward trend in water rate, basal metabolic rate, nighttime sleep duration, deep sleep rate, rapid eye movement sleep rate, especially at the end of intervention (all p < 0.05). While for the control group, there was no statistical improvement in all these aspects.ConclusionThe M-O-A telenursing model could effectively regulate quality of life and health condition of the empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases, making it worthy of further promotion and application.

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“…Previous studies have shown that empty nesters are in a miserable situation in terms of quality of life [15], social support [16], and depression [17]. Does empty nesting lead to disability and cognitive impairment in the elderly?…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and factors influencing disability and cognitive impairment among empty nesters and non-empty nesters in Guangdong, China: A cross-sectional study

Guo,

Yang,

Cui

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background Disability and cognitive impairment affect the physical and mental health of elderly individuals and also impose a heavy burden on families and society. As a threat to their health, the growing trend of empty nesting among elderly individuals is attracting widespread attention. Objective To investigate the status of disability and cognitive impairment among empty nesters and non-empty nesters in Guangdong Province and to analyse the differences in their influencing factors to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of disability among empty nesters and non-empty nesters. Methods Using the stratified random cluster sampling method, we recruited 5603 individuals aged 60 years and older from 21 cities in Guangdong Province in southern China, comprising 1512 empty nesters and 4091 non-empty nesters. Physical function and cognitive impairment were assessed with the ability to perform basic activities of daily living (BADLs) and scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Binary logistic regression was performed to analyse the risk factors in the two groups. Results The prevalence of disability and cognitive impairment among empty nesters was significantly higher than that in non-empty nesters (40.15% vs. 35.74%, 27.51% vs. 23.52%, respectively). Common influencing factors for the occurrence of disability in empty nesters and non-empty nesters were as follows. Binary logistic regression showed that the average monthly household income of empty nesters was 2000 − 400 RMB (OR: 1.476, 95% CI 1.019, 2.138) and for non-empty nesters was 2000 − 400 RMB (OR: 1.353, 95% CI 1.048, 1.747). Many study subjects took more than four types of medications (empty nesters: OR: 3.166, 95% CI 1.940, 5.169); non-empty nesters: OR: 2.660, 95% CI 1.957, 3.615). Both populations reported family support (empty nesters: OR: 1.487, 95% CI 1.064, 2.077 and non-empty nesters: OR: 1.341, 95% CI 1.106, 1.626), depression (empty nesters: OR: 1.710, 95% CI 1.104,2.471 and non-empty nesters: OR: 1.990, 95% CI 1.524, 2.599), and anxiety (yes: OR: 1.652, 95% CI 1.104, 2.471), which was an influential factor specific to the occurrence of disability in empty nesters (P < 0.05). Education level, residence, and depression among empty nesters (OR: 3.111, 95% CI 2.059, 4.701) and non-empty nesters (OR:1.892, 95% CI 1.461, 2.451) were common influencing factors for the occurrence of cognitive impairment in both groups (P < 0.05). Category 1 medications were an influential factor specific to cognitive impairment among empty nesters (OR: 1.564, 95% CI 1.072, 2.282) (P < 0.05); and coronary heart disease was an influencing factor specific to cognitive impairment among non-empty nesters (OR: 1.319, 95% CI 1.046, 1.663) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The study indicated that empty nesters had a higher prevalence of disability and cognitive impairment than non-empty nesters. The influencing factors were different between empty nesters and non-empty nesters. Low and middle incomes, multiple medication use, family support, and depression were the common influencing factors for the occurrence of disability among empty nesters and non-empty nesters, while anxiety was the unique influencing factor for disability among empty nesters. Literacy level, place of residence, and depression were the common influencing factors for cognitive impairment among empty nesters and non-empty nesters. Multiple medications were an influencing factor specific to cognitive impairment among empty nesters. Coronary heart disease was an influencing factor specific to cognitive impairment in non-empty nesters. Therefore, when intervening in elderly individuals with disability and cognitive impairment, different measures should be taken according to whether they are empty nesters or not.

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Prevalence and factors influencing depression among empty nesters in China: A meta-analysis

Cited by 11 publications

References 28 publications

The association between internet use and depression among older adults in China: The mediating role of social networks

The association between internet use and depression among older adults in China: The mediating role of social networks

Intervention effects of telenursing based on M-O-A model in empty-nest older adult individuals with chronic diseases: a randomized controlled trial

Prevalence and factors influencing disability and cognitive impairment among empty nesters and non-empty nesters in Guangdong, China: A cross-sectional study

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