Depression, disability and socio-economic position among older adults 'Left behind' by out-migration: a multilevel study in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. (360G-Wellcome-078567_Z_05_Z)

It is suggested that the high level of out-migration of young adults from rural areas in many low-income countries may have negative impacts for older adults (OA). These may include loss of social, instrumental and economic support role for OA which may lead to poor health and social outcomes. If contrast, if migration is effective in diversifying family risks, it should benefit both migrant and non-migrant family members. It is not known whether out-migration of youth is associated with loss of support for OA, or an increased risk of depression or disability. The goals of this study are: 1) To use a historical cohort study to assess the extent to which the risk of depression, disability and low socio-economic position in OA is associated with previous out-migration of one or more of their co-resident children 2) To establish a population cohort of OA to examine the 12-month onset and maintenance of depression and disability, and the 12-month change in socio-economic position, in relation to 'left behind' status and social support 3) To explore any influence of contextual factors on the risk of depression and disability.Kanchanaburi province provides an ideal setting, given a high level of out-migration of youth from family households, and the systematic collection of longitudinal multilevel data between 1999 and 2004 from a representative sample of households as part of the Kanchanaburi Demographic Surveillance Survey.