Social participation and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: A study on rural-urban differences

Although studies conducted in developed countries have reported a negative relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms, few studies have examined rural-urban differences in the relationship between participation in various types of social activities and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults.

This study examined the association between participation in paid work, political, and voluntary activities and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults in urban and rural areas.

Data were obtained from the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey conducted in 2014, and bivariate linear regression and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted.

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was significantly higher among older adults residing in rural areas than among older adults in urban areas. Participation in paid work activities was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms among older adults in urban and rural areas, whereas participation in political or voluntary activities was negatively associated with depressive symptoms only among older adults in urban areas. Older adults who participated in two or three types of activities (paid work, political, and voluntary activities) tended to have fewer depressive symptoms both in urban and rural areas.

Because this study comprised a cross-sectional design, causality could not be established between social participation and depressive symptoms.

Social participation plays a protective role against depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults, especially among those in urban areas. Urban-rural differences exist between participation in different types of social activities and depression symptoms.