Mediating Effect of Digital Information Utilization Ability and Interpersonal Contact on the Relationship between Cognitive Function and Depression in Korean Older Adults

Background: As Korea rapidly enters a super-aged society, interest in depression, a change in psychological function that occurs with aging, is increasing. Although previous studies have suggested a relationship between depression and cognitive decline in older adults, they have not clarified how cognitive decline leads to depression. We aimed to examine the mediating effects of digital information utilization ability (DIUA) and interpersonal contact (IC) in the relationship between cognitive function and depression in older adults. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study used data from the 2020 Korean Elderly Survey. The participants were 9,920 seniors aged 65 years and older. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and one-way ANOVA correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 24.0 and the dual mediation effect was analyzed using PROCESS Macro for SPSS v.3.5 model 6. Results: Depression had a negative correlation with cognitive function (r=-.26, P<.001), DIUA (r=-.20, P<.001), and IC (r=-.13, P<.001). Cognitive function was positively correlated with DIUA (r=.40, P<.001) and IC (r=.08, P<.001). There was a positive correlation between DIUA and IC (r=.10, P<.001). Finally, the mediating effect of cognitive function on depression through the dual parameters of DIUA and IC was also statistically significant (B=.-001, 95% CI [-.002, -.001). Conclusion: The depression caused by cognitive decline can be reduced by improving older adults’ ability to use digital information and interact with others. Therefore, social interventions to increase the interpersonal contact of older adults is required, and education programs for improving older adults’ ability to utilize digital information may be developed to increase indirect contact using digital devices as well as direct contact.