Social Support, Activities of Daily Living, and Depression among Older Japanese and Koreans Immigrants in the U.S

Longitudinal association between ADL disability and depression in middle-aged and elderly: national cohort study

BACKGROUND

The decline in daily living abilities (ADL) among older adults is a notable predictor of depressive symptoms and the occurrence of disease. However, the effects of changes in ADL disability on the progression of depression have not been extensively studied.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to examine the relationship between current ADL disability and depression in individuals aged 45 and older, as well as to explore how ADL disability influences the progression of depression in later life within China.

METHODS

This study analyzed 7-year data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), involving 2,205 middle-aged and older adults. The ADL disability (BADL: such as eating, dressing; IADL: such as shopping, cooking) were obtained using ADL scale (scores 0-12, lower is better), and depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (scores 0-30, lower is better). The latent growth curve and cross-lagged models were analyzed after adjusting relevant control variables to study the effect of ADL disability on the progression of depression.

RESULTS

The mean values for depression, basic activities of daily living (BADL), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) varied from 9.44 to 11.08, 6.45 to 6.81, and 6.86 to 7.29, respectively. The analysis indicated a potential association between depression and ADL. Specifically, the trajectory of BADL was a significant predictor of both initial depression (β = 0.138, 95%CI = 0.039-0.237) and its trajectory (β = 0.579, 95%CI = 0.403-0.754). Although IADL did not significantly predict the trajectory of depression, it was a significant predictor of initial depression (β = 0.471, 95%CI = 0.404-0.538). Additionally, cross-lag regression analysis provided further support for the relationship between depression and BADL disability.

CONCLUSIONS

This research highlights how ADL disability can forecast future depression in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. The findings indicate a significant connection between ADL disability and both changes in and future instances of depression in this group. Therefore, it is crucial for the Chinese government to prioritize interventions that enhance physical functioning in the elderly, as such measures can effectively mitigate the worsening of depression and promote positive aging.

Exploring the reciprocal relationship between activities of daily living disability and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese people: a four-wave, cross-lagged model

BACKGROUND

Early studies have shown a relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) disability and depressive symptoms in older people. However, discussions on the direction of this relationship are insufficient. The study's objective was to assess the reciprocal relationship between ADL disability and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese people.

METHOD

Data was collected in four waves of a nationwide survey, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which was carried out in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018. In total, this study included 4,124 participants aged ≥ 45 years at baseline. A summing score of the eleven items for basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was calculated to indicate the degree of ADL disability. The 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) was adopted to measure depressive symptoms. The reciprocal relationship between ADL disability and depressive symptoms was tested by cross-lagged models.

RESULT

At baseline, 911 (22.1%) participants were classified as having difficulties with ADL, and the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 34.4% (1,418). Among middle-aged and older people in China, there was a significant reciprocal and longitudinal relationship between ADL disability and depressive symptoms. People who had difficulty with ADL faced a higher risk of depressive symptoms, and those who suffered from depressive symptoms were accompanied by an increase in ADL disability in the following years. The subgroup analysis on age also showed that ADL disability was reciprocally and longitudinally related to depressive symptoms. However, only women showed similar results in the subgroup analysis on gender.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that ADL disability is bi-directionally related to depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older Chinese people over time. The results suggest we should identify ADL disability and bad psychological conditions in time to prevent subsequent mutual damage among middle-aged and older Chinese people, a vulnerable group rising in the future.

Factors Influencing Social Participation Among Persons With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders seriously hinder social participation. Only clarifying the status of social participation and the factors most strongly influencing it can promote better-targeted support for those with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Objectives

To explore the factors influencing social participation among persons with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Methods

138 persons with neuromyelitis optica were recruited by convenience sampling. They completed the Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, and were rated using the Barthel index, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory. The data were used to evaluate a generalized linear model predicting social participation.

Results

The respondents mostly perceived good or very good possibilities of social participation, but participation outdoors and in social relations were considered more restricted. Ability in the activities of daily living, education level, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and depression were four significant predictors of social participation.

Conclusions

Strengthening training in the activities of daily living, continuing education, giving positive psychological support and helping with bladder and bowel problems may help to promote social participation among those with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders.

Relationship of social support and health-related quality of life among migrant older adults: The mediating role of psychological resilience

Migrant older adults are influenced by an accumulation of aging and adversities related to migration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of psychological resilience and social support on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among migrant older adults, and examine the mediating effect of psychological resilience between social support and HRQOL. A total of 149 migrant older adults were recruited from five communities in Chongqing, China. Social support and psychological resilience were positively associated with physical and mental HRQOL among migrant older adults. Psychological resilience had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between social support and physical and mental HRQOL. These findings provide a better understanding of how social support and psychological resilience work together to affect HRQOL, and it could guide the interventions to promote HRQOL among migrant older adults in the community.