Zhang C, Liang X. Association between WeChat use and mental health among middle-aged and older adults: a secondary data analysis of the 2020 China Family Panel Studies database.
BMJ Open 2023;
13:e073553. [PMID:
37844989 PMCID:
PMC10582882 DOI:
10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073553]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study focused on the association between WeChat use, the most popular social software in China, and the mental health of middle-aged and older adults.
DESIGN
Nationwide cross-sectional study.
SETTING
The China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database.
PARTICIPANTS
The study sample included 11 127 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 and above identified from the 2020 CFPS database.
RESULTS
WeChat usage was negatively associated with depression (OR: 0.782, p<0.01), as was the WeChat Moments sharing (OR: 0.846, p<0.01). 10.310% of the relationship between WeChat usage and depression came from the effects of interpersonal relationships (5.720%) and social trust (4.590%), with significant indirect effects (B=-0.028, p<0.01). Sixteen per cent of the relationship between WeChat Moments sharing and depression came from the effect of interpersonal relationships (6.800%) and social trust (9.200%), and the indirect effect was also significant (B=-0.032, p<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
WeChat use may empower middle-aged and elderly to maintain close social relationships and trust contributing to their mental health.
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