Mental health of homebound older adults in China.

ABSTRACT

The mental health status of the homebound population in China is relatively overlooked. A sample of 1,301 older adults from Shandong Province was used to compare the mental health status among homebound, semi-homebound, and non-homebound older adults in China, and examine the moderation effects of loneliness and gender. This study found that, controlling for demographic and physical health status, the homebound population was more likely to have worse mental health status than non-homebound older adults. Experiencing loneliness intensified the adverse effects of being homebound on older adults' mental health. The negative effects of being semi-homebound on mental health were more pronounced among older males than females. Findings from this study suggested that homebound older adults in China experienced psychological challenges. Social programs and interventions may be designed to improve this population's mental health.