Ontology highlight
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.
SUBMITTER: Zhang C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10582882 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
BMJ open 20231016 10
<h4>Objective</h4>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.<h4>Design</h4>Nationwide cross-sectional study.<h4>Setting</h4>The China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) database.<h4>Participants</h4>The study sample included 11 127 middle-aged and elderly people aged 45 and above identified from the 2020 CFPS database.<h4>Results</h4>WeChat usage was negatively associated with depression (OR ...[more]