Multidimensional Digital Literacy and Quality of Life in Informal Care Dyads in Malaysia: Cross-Sectional Survey Using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital literacy (DL) is a key determinant of health and social participation in later life. In Malaysia, where population aging and family caregiving are rising, limited digital engagement among older adults may widen the gray digital divide. As caregivers and care recipients are interdependent, their digital capacities may jointly shape each other’s quality of life (QoL).
Objective:
This study examined the multidimensional associations between DL and QoL among informal caregivers and older adults in Malaysia and explored dyadic actor–partner effects.
Methods:
A cross-sectional dyadic survey was conducted with 72 caregiver–care recipient dyads (n=144) from community centers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. DL was measured using the 22-item Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire (EDLQ) across three dimensions (information and communication, content creation and management, and safety and security) while QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) tested dimension-specific links, and the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) examined bidirectional effects.
Results:
Caregivers reported higher DL and QoL than older adults. Among caregivers, only “safety and security” significantly predicted QoL (β=0.44, P<.001); among care recipients, all three dimensions were significant, with “content creation and management” showing the strongest effect (β=0.53, P<.001). The APIM indicated significant actor and partner effects (caregiver actor β=0.53, partner β=0.34; care recipient actor β=0.60, partner β=0.45; all P<.001), explaining 62% and 60% of variance in QoL.
Conclusions:
DL showed a multidimensional, bidirectional relationship with QoL. Caregivers’ safety and privacy management enhanced their well-being, while older adults’ content-creation and communication skills fostered mutual satisfaction. Dimension-specific, relationship-based DL interventions should be integrated into Malaysia’s aging and digital health policies to promote equitable digital inclusion.
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