Early-life exposure to severe famine and subsequent risk of depressive symptoms in late adulthood: the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Chinese Great Famine caused widespread starvation in 1959-1961. Its long-term association with depressive symptoms has not been studied.AimsTo estimate the burden of depressive symptoms and the association of famine exposure with depressive symptoms.

Method

The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study is a nationwide representative survey of 17 708 Chinese adults aged ≥45. Propensity score matching and modified Poisson regression were used to evaluate the association between self-reported famine exposure in early life and depressive symptoms among the overall participants. Such associations were also assessed by developmental stage using modified Poisson regression and logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 26.2% (9

SUBMITTER: Li C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6815226 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature