A cross-sectional study on the health related quality of life of depressed Chinese older people in Shanghai

BACKGROUND: With an increasing life expectancy, there is a rapidly growing sector that is aging. Depression is the most prevalent functional mental disorder of older population. It is estimated that about 21% of the older population in Shanghai are suffering from depression. AIM: This study investigated the self-rated health related quality of life of community-dwelling older people diagnosed with depression in Shanghai, and to examine the relationships between this and mental and physical health, functional status and social support. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two community centres with a convenience sample of 71 participants. Measures included subjective perception of health related quality of life, level of depression, cognitive function, number of medical conditions, activities of daily living, functional abilities, and social support. The majority of the participants were female (n=52, 73.23%), and married (n=51, 71.8%). RESULTS: A higher level of depression was related to a poorer health related quality of life. Participants were least satisfied with their physical health. The level of depression, activities of daily living and satisfaction with social support were predictors of health related quality of life ratings. CONCLUSION: The study identified how depression affects the bio-psychosocial status of Chinese older people. Findings are discussed in light of the socio-cultural environment in Shanghai.