The association between caregiving for disabled spouses and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is widely recognized that individuals with disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of mental health issues. However, the mental health status of their spousal caregivers often tends to be overlooked.

Objective

To investigate the association between caring for a disabled spouse and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults, and to assess whether this association differs by caregiver gender.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were drawn from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Depressive symptoms in respondents were measured by the CESD-10. Associations were estimated using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a logit link to account for intra-household correlation. Models adjusted for sociodemographic an

SUBMITTER: Mu T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639645 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature