Identifying early screening factors for depression in middle-aged and older adults: A cohort study

This study aims to explore the current status of depression and related factors in middle-aged and elderly people in China using a cohort database with multi-year follow-up.

The study population for this project was derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants were divided into control and depression groups based on scores from the Center for Epidemiological Research Depression Scale. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, while categorical variables were compared using chi-square tests. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to evaluate factors associated with depression.

A total of 9,749 participants were included in the study. Correlation analyses revealed that age, body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, total cholesterol, uric acid, and length of sleep were significantly associated with depression (p < 0.05). Women exhibited a higher risk of depression in middle and old age compared to men (p < 0.05). An increase in waist circumference was associated with a decreased risk of depression (p < 0.05). Longer sleep duration and higher educational levels were also associated with a reduced risk of depression (p < 0.05). Unfavorable marital status and decreased frequency of alcohol consumption were found to increase the risk of depression (p < 0.05).

In middle-aged and elderly individuals, women, low education level, and experiencing dissatisfaction in marriage are connected with a high risk of depression. On the other hand, increased waist circumference, moderate alcohol consumption, and longer sleep duration are connected with a low risk of depression.