Household debt, hypertension and depressive symptoms for older adults

The Chinese household debt has been increasing rapidly in recent years because of the expansion of consumers' spending and mortgage. Its effects on individuals' mental and physical well-being are poorly known. This study aims to examine the relationship of household debt with hypertension and depressive symptoms among the middle- and old-aged population.

Nationally representative data were collected from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2015. Logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis were used to estimate associations of household debt with the presence of hypertension and depressive symptoms. The Sobel test was used to assess the mediation effect of depressive symptoms in the association of household debt and hypertension.

Among 12 274 subjects, those with high-level household debt exhibited 12% increased odds of hypertension and double odds of depressive symptoms compared to low-level household debtors. Household debt had a direct effect on hypertension and depressive symptoms and an indirect effect on hypertension via depressive symptoms.

The relationships between household debt, depressive symptoms, and hypertension form a society-psychology-body view that is worth considering in household, community and clinical settings in hypertension management among middle-aged and elderly populations.