Association between cooking with solid fuels and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China: The mediating effect of the residential environment

Depression is a common issue among elderly people in both developing and developed countries. Existing research indicates that cooking with solid fuels has a negative impact on the mental health of middle-aged and elderly people (aged 45 and older). However, the potential role of the residential environment in this process is not yet clear. Clarifying this issue may help identify effective interventions to improve public health for elderly people. This study aimed to explore the association between cooking with solid fuels and depressive symptoms, as well as the potential mediating role of the residential environment in this relationship.