Association Between Mobile Phone, Self-efficacy and Dependency Among Elderly People: a Community-based Study

Background: The prevalence of dependency is high, and it is an urgent problem requiring immediate solutions for elderly people. This study aimed to explore the association between mobile phone use, self-efficacy and dependency among elderly people.

Methods: This community-based study was conducted in 33 locations in China. A total of 2,195 participants aged ≥60 years were selected using a complex multistage sampling design. All data were collected using questionnaires by face-to-face interviews. Dependency was measured using the standardized Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-II. Self-efficacy was assessed using the Chinese version of the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Cumulative logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between dependency and the use of mobile phones. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted to evaluate the association between the self-efficacy level and the frequency of mobile phone use.

Results: More than 90% of elderly people reported that they used a mobile phone. The high frequency of mobile phone use was significantly associated with low level of dependency and high level of self-efficacy. The frequency of mobile phone use was negatively associated with the times of received community health services.

Conclusions: Individuals who use mobile phones have a low level of dependency and a high level of self-efficacy. These findings suggest that mobile phone is an important mental health resource for improving dependency and increasing self-efficacy among elderly people.