Psychosocial and Cultural Correlates of Four-Dimensional Geriatric Depression Scale in Chinese and Korean Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Introduction: Late-life depression is prevalent yet underdiagnosed among East Asian older adults, but cross-country comparisons of multidimensional depressive symptoms remain limited. Method: This secondary analysis included 427 community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years from Xiamen, China, and Daejeon, South Korea. Country-specific stepwise regressions identified predictors for four Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) dimensions; pooled generalized linear models (GENLIN) tested Country × Predictor interactions. Results: Perceived health showed stronger protective associations with agitation, dysphoria, and vigor/withdrawal in Korean than Chinese older adults. Social activities showed stronger protective associations with agitation and cognitive concerns in Korea, whereas living with family showed stronger protective associations with cognitive concerns and dysphoria. Prior farming occupation was more protective for vigor/withdrawal in China. Age showed country-specific associations with agitation and cognitive concerns. Discussion: Late-life depression is multidimensional and culturally contextual. Findings support culturally tailored depression interventions in East Asian communities, incorporating health perception, social participation, family support, and occupational background.