Association of empty nest with depressive symptom in a Chinese elderly population: A cross-sectional study

More than half of the participants (57.4%) were empty nest elders.

• The overall prevalence of depressive symptoms among the elderly was 10.3%.
• Empty nest elders exhibited a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to non-empty nest elders (11.6% vs. 8.6%).
• A positive association exists between empty nest status and depressive symptoms, with an odds ratio of 1.223.
• This association is particularly significant among males, individuals aged 70 and above, those with primary school education, and retirees.
• Empty nesters were at a greater risk of depressive symptoms regardless of living arrangements, whether with a spouse or alone.

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