Mobile phone problem use and depressive symptoms: the mediating role of social support and attitude to aging among Chinese older adults

Little is known about mobile phone problem use (MPPU) among older adults. This study investigated critical factors affecting MPPU and filled the gap between MPPU and depressive symptoms in older people.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in community (n = 376) with questionnaires of Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ) and Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS).

80.9% of older people used smartphones and spend less than three hours on mobile phone per day. The average MPPU score of Chinese elderly is greater than the cut off to 41. Female (β = -0.11, P = 0.037), living with spouse (β = -0.17, P = 0.03), and late marriage age (β = -0.16, P = 0.007) are less likely to develop MPPU. The relationship between MPPU and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by social support and attitude to aging.

Elderly people generally have higher MPPU scores. MPPU was associated with depressive symptoms, through social support and attitude to aging.