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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Care | Research

Depressive symptoms and health service utilization among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a national population-based longitudinal survey

Authors: Jing Guo, Dexia Kong, Liming Fang, Yingxue Zhu, Bo Zhang

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to (1) examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between depressive symptoms and health services utilization among Chinese middle-aged and older adults; and (2) evaluate whether there exists a rural–urban difference in such relationships.

Methods

Data was obtained from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2013 and 2015, a nationally representative survey of 13,551 adults aged 45 years and above in China.

Results

Depressive symptoms were positively associated with a greater likelihood of outpatient and inpatient health services utilization. This association was consistent across rural and urban settings, indicating the robustness of such findings across geographic areas.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that depressive symptoms are significantly associated with both in-patient and out-patient health service utilization among Chinese adults. Screening for depressive symptoms needs to be incorporated in these care settings in China.
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Metadata
Title
Depressive symptoms and health service utilization among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a national population-based longitudinal survey
Authors
Jing Guo
Dexia Kong
Liming Fang
Yingxue Zhu
Bo Zhang
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-020-00421-3

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