AUTHOR=Ye Ya-Ping , Wang Jing-Na , Li Qing-Chun , Xu Cai-Ming , Rong Chao 

TITLE=Factors associated with the depression status of Chinese parents who have lost their only child

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.931945

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.931945

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Abstract 
Aim: This study aimed at assessing the risk factors for depression among parents who have lost their only child (PLOCs).

Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey to reveal the risk factors of depression among PLOCs. Multi-stage stratified cluster sampling was used to recruit the participants. The cluster sampling method was used to select PLOCs in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province and Wuhu, Anhui Province, while the stratified cluster sampling method was used in Anshun, Guizhou Province. A total of 651 PLOCs were recruited in this study. Participants completed the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). Socio-demographic data, including age, sex, monthly income, education level, marital status, self-reported health and number of diseases were also collected. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were conducted to analyse the influence of these factors on PLOCs’ mental status.

Results: Two hundred and fifty-eight PLOCs (39.56%) reported depression. Compared to PLOCs living in Wuhu, those living in Hangzhou (OR=3.374, CI=2.337-4.870) had a higher risk of depression. Singlehood(OR=1.449, CI=1.019-2.061) and the presence/absence of grandchildren (OR=0.430, CI=0.274-0.676) were significantly associated with the depression status of PLOCs.

Conclusion: The sampled Chinese PLOCs reported a high prevalence of depression that was influenced by their place of residence, marital status, and presence/absence of grandchildren. This may highlight the need for routine assessment and help of this group by the relevant stakeholders (including government, non-profit social organizations, and professional psychologist) with more attention paid to single and low-income PLOCs that have no grandchildren. It is imperative to build a comprehensive care system of "extended family - community - society - government" for this vulnerable group.