Investigation and analysis of mental health status of the elderly in western rural areas

Shuai Zhao¹Liangfu Han²Yi Liu³Xudong Rui^3*

• ¹Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan 250109, Shandong, People's Republic of China, shandong, China
• ²Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Teaching and Research Office of Economic Management, Guiyang, Guizhou, People's Republic of China, guizhou, China
• ³Guiyang Healthcare Vocational University, Guiyang 550081, Guizhou, People's Republic of China, guiyang, China

Background: The mental health of the elderly in western rural areas is an area of growing concern. Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how individuals think, feel, and act. In this study, we operationalize mental health through four validated dimensions: depression (emotional well-being), anxiety (psychological stability), loneliness (social connectedness), and life satisfaction (overall subjective well-being), which together provide a comprehensive assessment of mental health status [1]. Understanding their mental health status and associated factors is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving their quality of life. While social support has been established as both a preventive and prognostic factor for mental health in various populations, its specific role and mechanisms in western rural elderly populations require further investigation. However, limited research has comprehensively explored this topic, leaving gaps in knowledge regarding the complex interplay of various influencing factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1543 elderly individuals in western rural areas. The western rural areas in this study specifically refer to rural regions in Guizhou, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces of China, characterized by mountainous terrain, ethnic diversity (including Yi, Miao, and other minority groups), lower economic development compared to eastern regions, and unique cultural practices such as traditional community support systems and intergenerational living arrangements. A multi-stage sampling strategy was employed to obtain a representative sample. Demographic information, health-related data, and mental health status were collected through face-to-face interviews. Structured questionnaires were used to gather details on age, gender, education, marital status, household income, chronic disease status, and living arrangements. Social support was measured using the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), which includes three dimensions: objective support (actual received support), subjective support (perceived support), and support utilization. The total score ranges from 12-66, with higher scores indicating better social support. Scores were categorized as low (≤22), moderate (23-44), and high (≥45) based on established cut-offs. Four validated scales, namely the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Life Satisfaction Scale, were utilized to assess depression, anxiety, loneliness, and life satisfaction respectively.