To investigate the correlation between the comorbidity of chronic diseases and concurrent depression symptoms with increased disability risk among older adults in China.

Utilizing data from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we analyzed health-related data, including basic information, chronic diseases, depression symptoms, and disability among individuals aged 60 and above. A chi-square test χ² was employed for preliminary analysis of the association between various factors and disability risk, followed by calibration of a binary logistic regression model. The odds ratios (OR) were estimated to reflect the increased disability risk of respondents with comorbidity and depression symptoms compared to other respondents.

A total of 8 762 respondents were included, with a balanced gender distribution and an average age of 68.10 years. Among the respondents, 41.35% exhibited depression symptoms, and 15.10% had comorbid conditions, with a comorbidity and depression symptom co-occurrence rate of 8.38%. The results indicated that respondents with comorbidity and depression symptoms had a 550% (OR=6.50, 95%CI: 4.98-8.47) increased risk of impairment in Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and a 389% (OR=4.89, 95%CI: 4.07-5.87) increased risk of impairment in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), along with a significant increase in the risk of impairment in Activities of Daily Living(ADL) (OR=4.98, 95%CI: 4.16-5.96).

There is a significant correlation between the comorbidity of chronic diseases and concurrent depression symptoms with increased disability risk among older adults in China. This poses a serious threat to the health and quality of life of the elderly, highlighting the need for early screening and intervention, as well as enhanced health education and psychological support to effectively reduce disability risk.