The relationship between the digital divide and self-rated health among older adults: The mediating effect of depression

Vollständiger Abstract

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Digital transformation has increased the importance of digital technology in daily life, yet older adults remain vulnerable to the digital divide. Limited digital access and competency may restrict opportunities to obtain health information and utilize services, potentially affecting mental health and self-rated health. This study examined the relationship between the digital divide and self-rated health among older adults and investigated the mediating effect of depression. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans. A total of 9,951 older adults who completed the survey themselves were included in the analysis. The digital divide was measured using three dimensions: digital access, digital use competency, and adaptation to the digital society. Depression was assessed using the Short Form of the Geriatric Depression Scale. Hierarchical regression analysis and PROCESS Macro (version 4.2) were used to test the mediating effect of depression while controlling for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Higher levels of digital access, digital use competency, and adaptation to the digital society were associated with lower depression and higher self-rated health, whereas depression was negatively associated with self-rated health. Depression significantly mediated the relationships between all three dimensions of the digital divide and self-rated health, indicating partial mediation. The findings suggest that the digital divide affects self-rated health both directly and indirectly through depression. Reducing the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion may help improve mental health and self-rated health among older adults.