Factors Associated with Depression Among Older Adults in Northeastern Thailand: The Role of Social Media Use, Social Isolation, and Health Determinants.

Abstract

This study examined depression and its associated determinants among older adults in Northeastern Thailand, with particular emphasis on digital connectivity and social isolation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,522 adults aged ≥60 years selected through multistage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using standardized interviews and analyzed using generalized linear mixed models. Depression was significantly associated with younger-old age (60-69 years), unemployment, living alone, poor health status, severe stress, social isolation, low digital connectivity, low social media use, and poor quality of life. Older adults with low digital connectivity (AOR = 5.47; 95% CI: 1.76-4.29; p < 0.001), living alone (AOR = 4.67; 95% CI: 1.78-2.37; p = 0.03), and severe stress (AOR = 3.92; 95% CI: 3.21-4.80; p < 0.001) showed markedly higher odds of depression. The findings underscore the importance of digital inclusion and social participation as potential strategies for reducing depression among aging populations in rural settings.