The longitudinal effect of sensory loss on depression among Chinese older adults

Previous studies have suggested that sensory loss is linked to depression. However, most of these studies have been conducted in developed countries and the results are mixed.

The current study aims to examine the longitudinal relationship between hearing loss, vision loss, dual sensory loss, and depression among Chinese older adults over four years.

The data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS). In total, 6353 Chinese older adults aged 60 years and over were included at baseline in this study. Self-reported hearing and vision status was used, and dual sensory loss was a combined variable of hearing loss and vision loss. Depressive symptoms were assessed by The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). The baseline relationship between sensory loss and depression was explored by logistic regression analyses. A logistic mixed model was used to assess whether baseline sensory loss was associated with incident depression for older adults with no depressive symptoms at baseline over four years.

At baseline, vision loss (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.19-1.79) and dual sensory loss (OR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.77-2.58) were associated with depression, while hearing loss was not. After four years, vision loss (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.16-2.22) and dual sensory loss (OR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.32-2.41) were associated with incident depression.

Not all potential confounding factors are measured and adjusted in the analysis. Apart from that, all measurements of interest are self-reported scales.

Vision loss and dual sensory loss are significantly associated with both onset and increased depressive symptoms over time, while hearing loss is not associated with depression. Interactions between all types of sensory loss and social activities are not significant. Our results suggest that target mental health intervention programs should be delivered to vision loss or dual sensory loss populations.