The associations of gender, depression and elder mistreatment in a community-dwelling Chinese population: The modifying effect of social support

XinQi Dong, Todd Beck, Melissa A. Simon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

70 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aims of this study are to: (1) examine the gender differences in the association of depression and elder mistreatment (EM) in a community-dwelling Chinese population; and (2) examine the potential differential modifying effect of greater social support on these associations. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 141 women and 270 men aged 60 years or greater who presented to an urban medical center. EM was assessed using the modified Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS) and depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and overall social support was measured using the Social Support Index (SSI). After adjusting for potential confounders, depression was associated with 447% increased risk for EM among men (odds ratio, OR = 4.47; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.52-13.13) and 854% increased risk for EM among women (OR = 8.54; 95% CI = 2.85-25.57). After examining the effect of greater social support on depression (social support × depression), depression was no longer associated with increased risk for EM in men (parameter estimate = PE = 0.62 ± 0.82 (±S.E.M.) = 0.82, p = 0.454). However, among women, depression remained as a significant risk factor for EM (PE = 1.49 ± 0.68, p = 0.029). Depression is significant risk factor for EM for both men and women. However, effect of greater overall social support may have higher protective effect in men than in women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)202-208
Number of pages7
JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume50
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2010

Funding

The study is indebted to the Nanjing Medical Center, which provided tremendous support for this study. We thank all of the research assistants for their diligent and hard work in administering and collecting the survey. Authors are forever indebted to the senior citizens of Nanjing for participating in such an important study and sharing stories of their lives with us, all as a way to combat EM. This work was supported by National Institute on Aging: Paul B. Beeson Career Development Award in Aging (K23 AG030944), The Starr Foundation, John A. Hartford Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies.

Keywords

  • Chinese population
  • Depression
  • Elder mistreatment
  • Gender
  • Social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Gerontology
  • Aging

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