Examining the prevalence, risk and protective factors to family caregiving in China: findings from CHARLS

Based on role theory, this study aims to explore the prevalence of informal caregiving to either a parent/parent-in-law or grandchild in China and to examine the association with depressive symptoms. The OLS regressions were used to identify factors associated with depressive symptoms. Data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was used. Twenty-six per cent (26%) cared for an elder for an average of 4 hours/day. Nearly half (46%) provided care to a grandchild for an average of 8 hours/day. Caregiving duration, co-residency and the health of the care recipient were associated with depressive symptoms. Intensity and duration were associated with grandchild caregivers’ depressive symptoms. Education moderated the relationship between care and depressive symptoms. Policy and practice implications are discussed.