Financial strain and depressive symptoms among Hong Kong Chinese elderly: A longitudinal study

Abstract

For many Hong Kong Chinese elderly, depression and financial strain are quite common occurrences. This study examines the impact of financial strain on depressive symptoms. The data came from a longitudinal study of a representative community sample of the elderly population in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that elderly persons with higher financial strain reported more depressive symptoms three years later, even after controlling socio-demographic, physical health status and social support variables. In addition, financial strain influenced the depression equally among men and women. The data do not show evidence of a stress-buffering effect of social support on the negative consequences of financial strain on depression. Among women, poor physical health aggravated the adverse effect of financial strain on depressive symptoms. But among men, poor health moderated the impact of financial strain on depression. © 1999 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.