Effect of income inequality, community infrastructure and individual stressors on adult depression. (11th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fan, Vanessa Sha; Mahadevan, Renuka; Leung, Janni
• Is Part Of: Health promotion international. Volume 36:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2020-04-11
• Subjects: income inequality -- community facilities -- depression -- hierarchical linear model; Health promotion -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-4824

Abstract

Abstract: This paper considers the impact of variables at three different levels—city, community and individual—on the depression of adults aged 45 years and above in China. Evidence shows that community factors, such as infrastructure and elderly centres, are critical to reduce depression but the effect of city-level factors such as lowering income inequality and improving public health investment is different for the segments of poor and non-poor as well as the rural and urban residents. This highlights the need to consider targeted policy mix options to avoid resource misallocation. Lastly, Chinese females' depression has worsened over time with ageing, particularly those who drink alcohol or are less educated are prone to depression prompting the need for specialist women health centres.