The Effect of Digital Literacy on Depression Among Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: The Moderating Role of Self-Rated Health.

This study examined the association between digital literacy (DL) and depression among older adults with chronic diseases and tested the moderating role of self-rated health (SRH). A cross-sectional secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 National Survey of Older Koreans, including 8,588 adults aged 65 years or older with at least one chronic disease. Depression was assessed using the Short Form of the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale. Hierarchical regression and moderation analyses were performed, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. Higher levels of DL were associated with lower depression. SRH was a significant predictor of depression and moderated the relationship between DL and depression, with a significant protective effect of DL observed only at low and average levels of SRH. DL may help reduce depression among older adults with chronic diseases, particularly those with poorer perceived health.