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Digital competence, caregiving selfefficacy, and social connectedness among informal carers of hospitalised patients
Author(s)
Date Issued
2024
Citation
Liu, C. P., & Leung, S. Y. (9 Nov 2024). Digital competence, caregiving selfefficacy, and social connectedness among informal carers of hospitalised patients. The Future Development of Caregiving Policy and Practice in Hong Kong: International Perspectives and Local Initiatives, Hong Kong Shue Yan University.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The study explores the mechanisms in the association between self-efficacy in caregiving (SEC), digital
competence (DC), and loneliness among 200 informal carers for hospitalized patients. Conditional process
analysis reveals a moderated mediation effect of DC on social network, and SEC, increasing carers’ healthrelated quality of life and reducing loneliness. Our model also found that a larger social network
significantly reduced caregiving hours and the burden of care, correspondingly reducing
loneliness. Results suggested that better digital competence can increase carers’ self-efficacy in
caregiving, resulting in positive caregiving outcomes. Therefore, health and social care practitioners should
effectively use technology-based interventions to enhance carers’ competence in caregiving. Strategies to
strengthen carers’ social connectedness are also essential to combat the negative outcomes of caregiving.
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