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This study examines the extent to which depressive symptoms mediate the link between childhood friendship (CF) and physical function among middle-aged and older adults in China. China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data were used; specifically, CHARLS life history survey (conducted from June 1–December 31, 2014) and follow-up health survey (conducted from July 1–September 30, 2015) data were used. The Sobel test, Bootstrap test and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the mediating role of depressive symptoms (measured by the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) in the association between CF (measured by a standardized retrospective questionnaire) and physical function, which was measured by basic activities of daily living (BADL) disability, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability, and grip strength. A total of 12,170 participants aged 45 years or older were included in this cross-sectional study. After controlling for covariates, low-quality CF was associated with an increased prevalence of BADL disability (OR = 1.18; 95 % CI = 1.05–1.32), IADL disability (OR = 1.25; 95 % CI = 1.12–1.40), and low grip strength (OR = 1.21; 95 % CI = 1.09–1.34). The proportion of the mediating effect of depressive symptoms was 48 % for CF and BADL, 40 % for CF and IADL, and 11 % for CF and grip strength. Depressive symptoms and worse CF have a joint effect on BADL disability (OR = 3.30; 95 % CI = 2.82–3.85), IADL disability (OR = 3.52; 95 % CI = 3.03–4.09), and low grip strength (OR = 1.65; 95 % CI = 1.43–1.92). Not all potential confounding factors (such as childhood behavioural problems, genetic factors, and memory function) were measured in the analysis, and there may have been recall bias in the retrospective collection of CF data. Individuals with high-quality CF were more likely to have a decreased prevalence of impaired physical function in later life. Depressive symptoms acted as a mediator associated with the development of CF. • High-quality childhood friendship can protect older people from impaired physical function. • Depression mediates the link between childhood friendship and physical function. • Joint effect of depression and childhood friendship on physical function were found. • We found that depression was more strongly associated with physical function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To assess the long-term consequences of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among health care workers (HCWs) in China (hereafter surviving HCWs). Methods: A total of 303 surviving HCWs were included. Lung (pulmonary function test, 6-min walk test [6MWT], chest CT), physical (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ], Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale [mMRC], and Borg scale), and psychiatric functions (Essen Trauma Inventory) were evaluated during the 1-year follow-up. Results: Surviving HCWs had an abnormal diffusion capacity 1 year post-discharge. Participants with a reduced carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) comprised 43.48%. The proportion of HCWs with a median 6MWT distance below the lower limit of the normal was 19.4%. An abnormal CT pattern was observed in 37.5% of the HCWs. The SGRQ, mMRC, and Borg scores of surviving HCWs, especially those with critical/severe disease, were significantly higher than those in the normal population. Probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was reported in 21.9% of the surviving HCWs. Diffusion capacity impairment was associated with women. Critical/severe illness and nurses were associated with impaired physical function. Conclusions: Most surviving HCWs, especially female HCWs, still had an abnormal diffusion capacity at 1 year. The physical and psychiatric functions of surviving HCWs were significantly worse than those of the healthy population. Long-term follow-up of pulmonary, physical, and psychiatric functions for surviving HCWs is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seven latent statuses of physical function were identified. • Physical function decline progress in some typical stages. • Indicative limitation and transition trend are useful for developing preventive intervention and tailored care for physically limited elderly. Multiple limitations often co-occur and accumulate, leading to subsequent function decline. However, there is a scarcity of longitudinal studies examining the progression of physical function among the general population of older adults in China. This study aimed to define typical physical function status and its change, which were characterized by the coexistence and accumulation of diverse limitations targeting a Chinese sample of older adults. This study used the three recent public data waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey during a 6-year follow-up period. 9765 individuals who were over 65 and participated in the 2011 survey were included. Latent transition analysis was used to identify the latent physical function status and explore the transition of older adults among different latent statuses. Seven latent statuses of physical function were identified, with visual impairment and related limitations being particularly prevalent among older adults. Upper limb mobility appeared to be a differentiated indicator of physical functional status. Physical function decline mainly started with the limitations in squatting, carrying weights and walking, then to the status with intact upper limb mobility and hearing function only, or converted directly into the latter, then to complete dysfunction. Our findings suggest some indicative limitations and critical steps in the process of functional decline among older adults. These results may provide insight for researchers and policymakers to develop tailored preventive and rehabilitation care and provide support for physically limited elderly according to their latent status and course of functional decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]