[Relationship between self-rated filial piety and depressive symptoms among the elderly].

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between self-rated filial piety and depression among the elderly, in order to provide evidence for improving the intervention programs on mental health in the elderly.

METHODS

Descriptive, correlative and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze the elderly aged 60 years or over relationship between self-rated filial piety and depressive symptoms. Source of data was from the 2010 Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban/Rural China (n = 18 234).

RESULTS

Twenty-two point five zero and 1.66% of the respondents reported having had depression with poor self-rated filial piety. Findings from multiple logistic regression showed that poor self-rated filial piety was associated with higher risk of depression when comparing to those under 'so-so self-rated filial piety' (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.71-2.07) or good self-rated filial piety (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 2.41-4.12) among the elderly, after adjusting for factors related to socio-demographic and familiar characteristics.

CONCLUSION

Poor self-rated filial piety was associated with depression among the elderly. Programs including support to the elderly and reinforcing publicity on filial piety plus intervention for the elderly with poor self-rated filial piety should be implemented to protect the mental health in the elderly.