Shujuan Xiao1, Lei Shi1, Fang Dong1, Xiao Zheng1, Yaqing Xue1, Jiachi Zhang1, Benli Xue1, Huang Lin1, Ping Ouyang2, Chichen Zhang1,2,3. 1. School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. 2. Department of Health Management, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. 3. Institute of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Previous literature has shown that chronic diseases and psychological distress are correlated. However, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the role played by activities of daily living (ADL) and perceived social support. METHOD: Face-to-face questionnaire-based surveys were conducted with 3250 valid participants (age ≥60 years). Participants were assessed using the Barthel Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. RESULTS: 1) Chronic diseases had a significant direct effect on psychological distress in older adults; 2) the relationship between chronic diseases and psychological distress was partially mediated by ADL; and 3) the impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress was significantly moderated by perceived social support. More importantly, perceived social support was a protective factor that could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of chronic diseases on psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The results add to the existing literature by uncovering the underlying mechanisms between chronic diseases and mental health. These findings have implications for early intervention and prevention of mental health problems in older adults.
OBJECTIVES: Previous literature has shown that chronic diseases and psychological distress are correlated. However, the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the role played by activities of daily living (ADL) and perceived social support. METHOD: Face-to-face questionnaire-based surveys were conducted with 3250 valid participants (age ≥60 years). Participants were assessed using the Barthel Index, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. RESULTS: 1) Chronic diseases had a significant direct effect on psychological distress in older adults; 2) the relationship between chronic diseases and psychological distress was partially mediated by ADL; and 3) the impact of chronic diseases on psychological distress was significantly moderated by perceived social support. More importantly, perceived social support was a protective factor that could effectively alleviate the adverse effects of chronic diseases on psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The results add to the existing literature by uncovering the underlying mechanisms between chronic diseases and mental health. These findings have implications for early intervention and prevention of mental health problems in older adults.
Entities:
Keywords:
Older adults; activities of daily living; chronic diseases; perceived social support; psychological distress