The prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly in China:a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies

• 作者: Ting Yang Chun-Mei Zhang Rui Rui Wang Yu-Qi Wei
• 来源期刊: 衰老研究
• 学科: 医学
• 关键词: DEPRESSION Empty-nest elderly PREVALENCE Meta-analysis Cross-sectional studies
• 年，卷（期）: 2021,（1）
• 页码范围: 1-11
• 页数: 11页
• 分类号: R74

摘要

Empty-nest elderly are those who have no children or whose children are away from home,and they have to live alone or with their spouses.The prevalence of depression in the elderly is worrying,especially in the empty-nest elderly.This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly in China and explore the factors that influence depression among the empty-nest elderly.Methods:We searched both international(PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,and Web of Science)and Chinese(CNKI,WanFang,SinoMed,and VIP)databases from their inception date until 12 April,2020,and collected cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly in China.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted the data,and evaluated the risk of bias included in the study.Meta-analysis was performed using Stata12.0 software.Results:Twenty-seven cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analysis.The pooled prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly in China was 41%(95%CI:32%–50%).Subgroup analysis revealed that the Geriatric Depression Scale versions,sampling methods,living areas,gender,age,chronic diseases,and living arrangements were associated with the prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly in China.Conclusions:The prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly in China was relatively high.Researchers could explore more reasons for the differences in the prevalence of depression among the empty-nest elderly from multiple perspectives in the future.Relevant departments should identify and routinely evaluate the negative emotions of the empty-nest elderly.Meanwhile,community nurses should care for the emotional needs of the empty-nest elderly,carry out targeted mental health education,and promote the realization of healthy aging.