ScholarWorks@중앙대학교

초록

Objectives: This study aimed to empirically analyze the impact of social capital and digital literacy on depressive symptoms among older adults in rural areas of Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk State. It specifically focused on identifying the differential effects of smart device use by categorizing digital literacy into social and instrumental use. Methods: We analyzed face-to-face survey data from 4,976 older adults aged 60 and above residing in 15 rural townships (Eup and Myeon areas). To identify factors influencing depression, a hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted. Model 1 was established with socio-demographic characteristics, health factors, internet access, and social capital. Model 2 added the social use of smart devices, and Model 3 further included instrumental use to examine stepwise effects. Results: The risk of depression was significantly higher for those with 'Very Bad' subjective health (OR=7.491) and those dependent on Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (OR=3.353). The absence of social capital also increased the risk by 1.418 times (p<.001), confirming its role as a protective factor for mental health. While the social use of smart devices was significant in Model 2 (OR=1.410, p<.001), it lost statistical significance in the final Model 3 (OR=0.995, p>.05). Conversely, individuals unable to use smart devices instrumentally had a 1.626 times higher risk of depression (p<.001), indicating that instrumental use serves as a more potent protective factor. Conclusion: To prevent depression among rural seniors, policy design should shift from communication-centered digital education toward strengthening instrumental competencies, such as information searching, life-service utilization, and active leisure activities. These interventions will be most effective when integrated with strategies to enhance offline social capital.

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