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Mediating effects of eHealth literacy and social connection on the association between smartphone use and mental health among Korean adults

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study investigated the complex associations among smartphone use, eHealth literacy, social connection and mental health and how eHealth literacy and social connection mediate these associations between older and middle-aged Korean adults in 2020. We recruited 1,400 Korean adults and conducted a multigroup path analysis. Findings revealed significant pathways among major variables and the mediating effects of eHealth literacy and social connection on the association between smartphone use and mental health only for older adults. Future research should investigate the longitudinal effects of various digital devices and eHealth literacy on mental health in Koreans after COVID-19.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)419-435
Number of pages17
JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Social Work and Development
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Department of Social Work, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • Smartphone use
  • depressive symptoms
  • eHealth literacy
  • loneliness
  • social connection

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