Community social capital and depressive symptoms among older adults relocated for poverty alleviation in Shanxi, China: a cross-sectional study

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in older adults. Community social capital and depressive symptoms in older adults have been discussed in previous studies but remain limited. This study aims to explore the association between community social capital and depressive symptoms among older adults relocated for poverty alleviation in China.

Methods: Through the multi-stage stratified sampling, 1882 relocated older adults (≥ 60) were surveyed in 24 resettlement sites in Shanxi Province, China. Community social capital was measured in civic participation, social cohesion, and reciprocity. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 10-item CES-D scale.

Results: There were 49.5% of relocated older adults reported significant depressive symptoms. We found that the relocated older adults who did not participate in leisure-time activities showed higher odds of reporting significant depressive symptoms compared to those who participated [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.360, 95% CI: 1.060 ~ 1.745], the relocated older adults who gave negative responses in community trust were more likely to report significant depressive symptoms compared to those who gave positive responses (AOR: 1.461, 95% CI: 1.126 ~ 1.896), and those who did not receive emotional support in their community showed 33.6% higher odds of reporting significant depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.336, 95% CI: 1.015 ~ 1.757) after controlling for all potential confounders.

Conclusions: Leisure-time activity participation, community trust, and receiving emotional support were associated with depressive symptoms of older adults relocated for poverty alleviation in Shanxi, China. Targeted interventions on community social capital for relocated older adults are needed for mental health promotion.