From starvation to depression: unveiling the link between the great famine and late-life depression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Great Famine in China from 1959 to 1961 is recognized as one of the most severe social and public health disasters of the 20th century, with profound long-term impacts on the health of survivors, particularly on their mental health. Early-life malnutrition and psychological trauma are considered to contribute to a range of health issues in adulthood, including depression.

Objective

This study aims to explore how the experience of the Chinese Great Famine from 1959 to 1961 affects the risk of depressive symptoms among the elderly. Using a mechanism analysis, the study investigates the roles of social support, socioeconomic status, and intergenerational support in this process.

Methods

Using micro-level individual data from the China Health and Retirement

SUBMITTER: Guo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11546538 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature