PLoS One. 2025 Apr 29;20(4):e0321272. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321272. eCollection 2025.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: As the aging of the population accelerates, mental health is important to the quality of life of middle-aged and older people, as well as to the healthcare system and the economy. This study focuses on the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-rated health in middle-aged and older people, as well as whether this relationship differs between urban and rural China.
METHODS: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The final analysis included 10503 participants aged 45 years or above. The longitudinal cross-lagged panel analysis was used to assess the relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms.
RESULTS: The model revealed a bidirectional relationship between self-rated health and depressive symptoms. Self-rated health at each time point had a significant effect on subsequent depressive symptoms, and vice versa. However, no urban-rural disparities in these relationships.
CONCLUSION: Self-rated health and depressive symptoms were interrelated over time among middle-aged and older adults. To ensure the mental health and quality of life in later life of middle-aged and older adults, it is essential to assess and manage both self-rated health and depressive symptoms.
PMID:40299937 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0321272
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