Post-COVID social engagement and depression among Chinese older adults: exploring rural/urban and gender differences

Aug 27, 2024Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology

Social activity and depression after COVID-19 in older Chinese adults: differences between rural and urban areas and between men and women

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Abstract

Depression levels significantly increased among 8,793 Chinese older adults post-COVID.

  • Rural females exhibited the highest levels of depression after the pandemic.
  • Reduced social engagement is linked to increased depression, especially among rural males and females.
  • Rural males reported decreased intense activities and online contacts, correlating with higher depression.
  • Urban males showed increased depression with reduced visiting and light activities.
  • Rural females experienced increased depression with less moderate activities and outdoor dancing, but less depression with reduced online contacts.
  • Urban females experienced decreased depression despite reduced social engagements.

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Full Text

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