Network of depression and anxiety symptoms in Chinese middle-aged and older people and its relationship with family health

Abstract

Objective: To examine the network structure of depression and anxiety symptoms and their association with Family Health among middle-aged and older people in China. Method: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study, a total of 3,365 middle-aged and older people over 45 years were recruited, comprising 1,748 males and 1,617 females. Data were collected by using Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Short Form of the Family Health Scale. Results: The network structure of anxiety and depression symptoms was stable, and “Fatigue” and “Restlessness” were central symptoms and bridge symptoms. “Family, social or emotional health process” and “Family Healthy Lifestyle” exhibited a significant positive correlation, whereas “Family health resources” and “Suicide” demonstrated a significant negative correlation. Conclusion: “Fatigue” and “Restlessness” are the targeted symptoms for preventing comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms among middle-aged and older adults, and the enhancement of “Family health resources” could be crucial for averting the onset of depression and anxiety symptoms within this demographic group.