Social support, rural/urban residence, and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults

This study aims to examine the extent to which people are socially integrated and the association between social support and depressive symptoms among Chinese adults, with regard to the moderating effect of the rural or urban residence. The author used data from the China health and longitudinal study (CHARLS), a nationally representative longitudinal survey of the population of adults aged over 45 in China. A total of 16,372 participants were included in this study, and the mean age of the sample was 59.7. Three variables were used to measure participants' social support: family size, proximity of support, and social involvement. The Chinese version of 10-item center for epidemiologic studies depression scale was used as a measurement tool for depressive symptoms. The findings demonstrate that small family size, living with a spouse, frequency of contact with children, and a number of social activities have significant effects on depressive symptoms. For all aspects of social support, the influence on depressive symptoms is not significantly different between urban and rural areas. Family support, especially the support of a spouse is crucial to prevent depression. This study also identifies the vital effect of social activity and encourages the government to improve public services, especially in rural areas.