SynthesisBMC public health2026
What are the socioeconomic risk factors of depression among the elderly in China: a systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
4 citing papers in PubMed.
- Association Between Educational Attainment and Depressive Symptom Severity Among Young-Old Adults Aged 60-74 Years: The Mediating Role of Self-Reported Memory Function.Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Perceived community environment and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: a cross-sectional analysis of physical activity as a moderator.Frontiers in psychology · 2026Article
- Prevalence, role impairment, and mental health service utilization of depressive disorders among community-dwelling older adults in China.Frontiers in psychiatry · 2026Article
- An interpretable analysis of the depressive status and its influencing factors in elderly patients with stroke.Frontiers in neurologyArticle
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundNumerous studies have explored the socioeconomic risk factors of depression in late life, including within China, however, there has been no systematic review and synthesis of these findings. Our systematic review aims to identify, evaluate, and synthesize current evidence on potential socioeconomic risk factors associated with depression among the elderly in China.
methodsFour electronic academic databases (MEDLINE [via OVID], Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) [via Web of Science], APA PsycArticles [via EBSCOhost], and Wanfang [a Chinese database]) were searched from 2005 to March 2022 for national studies reporting evidence on potential associations between socioeconomic risk factors and depression among the elderly in China. Elder is defined as a person who is aged 60 and over. Forward and backward citation searches were also conducted. Data was extracted using a standardized form. Study methodological quality was assessed using the Liverpool University Quality Assessment Tools (LQAT). A narrative synthesis was performed.
resultsThirty studies that met the review inclusion criteria were included. Across the studies, the evidence indicates that higher educational status, better financial status, better housing conditions, active social engagement, more social support and better neighborhood conditions reduced the risk of depression among the elderly in China. Evidence on associations between working status was equivocal, two studies found evidence suggesting that working after 60 increased the likelihood of depression, while another study suggested working after 60 decreased the likelihood of depression.
conclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in the prevention and treatment of depression among the elderly in China. To support elderly mental health, policies should focus on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening financial security, improving housing conditions, and supporting flexible employment options for the elderly. Additionally, enhancing social engagement, reinforcing social support networks, and developing community-based initiatives can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for healthy aging. Further research is needed on the relationships between working status and depression among the elderly in China.
trial registrationThe protocol was registered on PROSPERO: CRD42023483862.
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