Abstract Purpose: Chinese Americans represent the largest Asian ethnic subgroup in the United States. Depression is the most common mental health problem among older adults. However, we have a limited understanding of depressive symptoms among older Chinese immigrants. The study aimed to examine the potential factors associated with depressive symptoms among older Chinese immigrants in U.S. Methods: We recruited participants from psychiatric clinics who sought professional help in New York City. Inclusion criteria were Chinese immigrants from Asian countries 50 years or older; able to speak and understand either Mandarin or Cantonese; and had a diagnosis with major depressive disorder. Depressive symptoms were measured with Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology; cognitive function was measured with Montreal cognitive assessment; sleep quality was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and physical activity was measured with International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were performed. Results: Participants were ninety-nine Chinese older immigrants (mean age: 60.69 ± 7.62 years). Participants who had more children (p .05), poor health status (p .01), poor quality of life (p .01), less social support (p .01), and need help with activities of daily living (p .05) had more depressive symptoms. Cognitive function, sleep quality, and physical activity were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions & Implications: Poor cognitive function, poor sleep quality, and less physical activity were associated with depressive symptoms. Our results provide knowledge for developing culturally tailored self-management interventions for older Chinese immigrants with depressive disorder in managed care settings.
展开▼
