Prevalence and Related Influencing Factors of Depression Symptoms Among Empty- Nest Elderly in China

With the rapid aging of China's population, the number of empty-nest elderly who have no children or whose children have left home is increasing, and empty nests are gradually becoming a family life pattern for the elderly population. The empty-nest elderly are at a higher risk of suffering from depression symptoms and are considered a high-risk group for mental health issues. The research data were sourced from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess the prevalence of depression among empty-nest elderly. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the influencing factors of depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly in China. The overall prevalence of depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly in China is 40.2%. Multivariate logistic regression results show that a higher education level, having a spouse, living in an urban area, self-rated good health, frequent contact with children, high life satisfaction, and having pension are protective factors for depression symptoms in empty-nest elderly. Conversely, being female, having difficulties with activities of daily living, having chronic diseases, having physical pain, short sleep duration, frequent drinking, and living in impoverished households are risk factors for depression symptoms in empty-nest elderly. The prevalence of depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly in China is relatively high. It is crucial to prioritize the prevention and treatment of depression in empty-nest elderly, particularly among groups such as female elderly, those in rural areas, and those with poorer economic conditions.