Associations between technology use, perceived burdensomeness, and independence among rural older adults

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationships among perceived burdensomeness, technology use habits, and activities of daily living (ADL) in older adults residing in rural areas. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 384 older adults living in rural areas in two different regions of Turkey. Data were collected using an Information Form, the Geriatric Perceived Burdensomeness Scale, the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living, and the Technology Use Habits Scale. Results: Perceived burdensomeness was moderately and negatively correlated with ADL (r = − 0.484, p < 0.001), whereas technology use habits were weakly but positively correlated with BADL (r = 0.192, p < 0.001). In the hierarchical regression analysis, technology use habits showed a positive and statistically significant association with ADL in the initial model (β = 0.189, p < 0.001). When perceived burdensomeness was added to the model, it emerged as a strong negative predictor of ADL (β = −0.497, p < 0.001), substantially increasing the explained variance. In the fully adjusted model, perceived burdensomeness, age, digital device use, and duration of digital device use were significantly associated with ADL, whereas age did not significantly affect the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and ADL. Overall, perceived burdensomeness and technology use habits were identified as key factors related to functional independence among rural older adults. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that perceived burdensomeness and technology use habits are closely associated with independence in activities of daily living among older adults living in rural areas. These findings indicate an association between technology use and perceived burdensomeness and provide a foundation for future research in nursing practice and rural health services. Future research is recommended to focus on evaluating technology-based and psychosocial interventions that support independence and psychosocial well-being in rural older populations. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.