The association between caregiving for disabled spouses and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China

Spousal caregiving was associated with elevated odds of depressive symptoms, with larger effect estimates among women. Limitations include cross-sectional design, self-reported measures, and potential residual confounding. Prospective studies are needed to assess temporality and causal pathways; the results support enhanced monitoring and development of targeted supports for spousal caregivers, with consideration of sex differences and recipient disability burden.