Social support and family support for geriatric depression in China : a systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The population of the elderly in China is unprecedentedly growing and healthcare for older adults has been drawing increasingly more attention and study. It is essential to conduct and overview studies about mental health especially depression among the old age. In order to prevent Geriatric Depression (GD), social support and family support are two important factors. In Chinese tradition, family care is the main source of elderly care. However, with the effect of the “one child per couple” policy and the changing Chinese society, social support has become more important in caring for the elderly in China. Few studies have focused on social factors and GD in China. This paper aims to systematically review studies about the association between social support, family support and GD in China.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching for English and Chinese language studies focusing on social factors such as social support and family support for GD in China. The search was conducted using multiple electronic medical databases including PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO and CNKI with publication dates restricting from January 2000 to April 2015. Bibliographies of related articles were searched for additional references.

RESULTS: During the search, 272 articles were identified and 83 studies were selected for detailed evaluation. 16 full-text articles including 2 Chinese language studies met the inclusion criteria and were retrieved for a final review. This systematic review found that while the overall social support level was not developed enough compared with developed countries, social support for GD is increasing in China. Owing to Chinese culture, depression was significantly relevant to negative social support, especially family support. Studies about social factors for GD in China are not enough and the problem of caring empty nest elderly and older people living alone with depression syndromes needs to be addressed and this requires more strategical and policy support.

CONCLUSIONS: This paper reviewed 16 relevant studies that provide an overview of social support of GD in China. Social support, particularly family support, is an important social factor of GD in China. It is essential for public health professionals to reconsider the current social support and family support situation, and provide the elderly with a better mental care and support.