<![CDATA[Introduction: When used by older adults, smartphones play a crucial role in reducing depression. Increased smartphone usage among older adults has been linked to a significant decrease in depression, with a reduction in symptoms. There is likely heterogeneity within the elderly population regarding the competency of smartphone usage and the duration of daily smartphone use. Moreover, they may face different degrees of depression. Aims: To investigate the associations between latent profile classes (LPCs) and depression. Methods: The study was conducted between December 2022 to June 2023 with 1,105 participants (65–80 years of age). Moreover, the data was collected by completing questionnaires and through face-to-face interviews. Latent profile analysis (LPA) models were used to investigate the LPCs, and multiple logistic regression was utilized to explore the associations between LPCs and depression. Results: There were two LPCs, which were characterized by the following: 1) low smartphone proficiency (39.55%), and 2) high smartphone proficiency (60.45%). Elderly individuals with high degrees of smartphone proficiency had exhibited reduced depression (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32 – 0.72). Conclusion: There is a relationship between smartphone proficiency and duration of use and depression among elderly people in Thailand. Elderly people with high smartphone proficiency have a lower risk of depression. Policymakers can use the study’s findings to develop targeted policies and interventions that promote and empower seniors to develop smartphone proficiency, potentially reducing depression in the later years of life.]]>
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