Predicting the Risk of Depression by Migration Status: A Cross-Sectional Study on Older Adults in India

Depression substantially burdens individuals and society due to the associated disease burden, which makes it the fourth most prominent driver of global illness. Older adults with migrant status are highly vulnerable to this mental health condition worldwide. Our study projects the risk of depression by migration status of older Indian adults aged sixty and above. We have utilised secondary data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), a comprehensive ageing survey in India. The study sample consists of a total of 31,464 respondents aged 60 + (15,068 males and 16,366 females). Initial findings are based on univariate and bivariate analyses, complemented by logistic regression to predict the risk of depression by migration status and other socioeconomic characteristics of older adults in India. Among the participants, the prevalence of depression was found to be 7.0% for non-migrant males, 6.5% for non-migrant females, 7.8% for migrant males, and 10.2% for migrant females. The results indicate that older adults with migrant status are more susceptible to developing depression, regardless of adjustments made for various socioeconomic factors (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 1.42, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.27–1.58; Unadjusted Odds Ratio [UOR]: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.31–1.57). Given India's significant volume and diverse migration patterns, addressing depression among older adults, particularly those with migrant backgrounds, holds substantial implications for the healthcare sector. Our findings indicate depression is more prominent among migrant older adults, particularly among migrant females. The findings underscore a positive and significant association between depression and the migration status of older adults aged 60 + in India.