Socioeconomic Status, Social Activities, and Loneliness Affect Depression in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Yaping, Liu Jue
Primary Institution: Peking University
Hypothesis
Do social activities and loneliness mediate the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and depression?
Conclusion
Low socioeconomic status is associated with a significantly higher risk of depression, and social activities and loneliness play a small mediating role.
Supporting Evidence
- Low-level SES participants had a 29.1% higher risk of depression compared to high-level SES participants.
- Social activities mediated 8.1% and loneliness mediated 5.8% of the association between SES and depression.
- Participants in low-level SES who were socially inactive and lonely had a 133.5% increased risk of depression.
Takeaway
People with less money and fewer friends are more likely to feel sad, but having friends helps a little.
Methodology
A multi-cohort study utilizing five aging surveys across 24 countries, assessing SES, social activities, and loneliness in relation to depression.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing depression beyond SES, social activities, and loneliness.
Participant Demographics
Older adults from 24 countries, categorized by high and low socioeconomic status.
Statistical Information
P-Value
pHR=2.335
Confidence Interval
95%CI: 1.188-1.393
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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