Bayesian Testing of Scientific Expectations under Multivariate Normal Linear Models

Latent transition of social participation and its effects on depression among older adults in China: A National Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

As populations age, the issue of social participation among older adults has gained prominence. Studies indicate variability in social participation trajectories among this demographic, yet the transition patterns and their effects on depression remain unclear. This longitudinal study aims to explore the latent classes and transition patterns in social participation among older adults and to evaluate their effects on depression.

METHODS

Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2014 (T1) and 2018 (T2) were analyzed, including 2293 older adults. Latent class analysis (LCA) and latent transition analysis (LTA) were employed to identify latent classes of social participation at T1 and T2, as well as the transition probabilities between these classes. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors of transitions, and depression levels at T2 were compared across transition patterns.

RESULTS

The LCA results supported a 3-class model labeled as low, moderate, and high social participation. The probabilities of remaining stable and transitioning to other classes were similar across the three classes (ranging from 0.50 to 0.54). Age, gender, and other baseline characteristics emerged as significant predictors of transition patterns. Older adults experiencing positive transitions exhibited reduced depression compared to those in their original class over time, while those with negative transitions showed increased depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This research prompts a deep understanding of social participation dynamics in older adults and their effects on depression. Identifying social participation classes and transition patterns could inform interventions to enhance social participation and reduce depression among older adults.

Latent transition analysis of instrumental activities of daily living in Chinese elderly: based on the 2014-2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

BACKGROUND

The instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) among the elderly have been found to be heterogeneous, with different trajectories. However, the transition of the IADL over time remains unclear. We aimed to explore the transition probabilities and the predictors of IADL among the elderly.

METHODS

Longitudinal data from the 2014 (T1) and 2018 (T2) waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were extracted. A sample of 2,944 participants aged 65 years or older, with complete responses to the IADL scale, was included. Latent profile analysis (LPA) and latent transition analysis (LTA) were employed to identify latent profiles of IADL and investigate the transition probabilities between profiles from T1 to T2. The predictors of latent profiles and transition probabilities were examined using multinomial regression analysis.

RESULTS

The results of LPA at both T1 and T2 supported a 4-profile model solution. They were labeled as the "Normal function profile," "Mildly impaired profile," "Moderately impaired profile," and "Highly impaired profile". The Normal function profile and Highly impaired profile were characterized by maintaining stability rather than transitioning over time, with transition probabilities of 0.71 and 0.68, respectively, for maintaining stability. The Mildly impaired profile and Moderately impaired profile were characterized by a stronger tendency towards transition rather than stability, with transition probabilities of 0.29 and 0.45, respectively, of transitioning to the Highly impaired profile. The transition probabilities from the three impaired function profiles to the Normal function profile ranged from 0.05 to 0.19. Age, gender, place of residence, and social participation were significant predictors of profile attribution at T1 and transition probabilities over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This study employed the LTA to examine the transition probability of IADL among the Chinese elderly. By recognizing the different profiles of IADL and understanding the factors associated with transitions among the elderly, interventions can be tailored to improve their functional independence and successful reintegration into families and society.