How common depressive symptoms are and what affects them in older adults living alone in rural YongZhou, China

The prevalence of depressive symptoms among empty-nest elderly in rural YongZhou, Hunan, was found to be 74.46%.

• Empty-nest elderly reported higher levels of depression compared to those who were not in empty-nest situations.
• Negative coping styles and low support utilization were associated with increased depressive symptoms.
• Factors such as religious beliefs, economic status, marital status, and subjective support also showed associations with depression levels.
• Strategies involving community support, family involvement, and personal coping efforts may help reduce depression rates in this demographic.

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