Dynamics of Digital Support Platform Use Among Family Caregivers of Children With Disabilities: Longitudinal Study

Family caregivers of children with disabilities frequently experience high levels of stress and psychological burden. Digital support platforms offer accessible channels for information and emotional support, but their long-term use patterns remain underexplored.

This study explored the longitudinal patterns of digital support platform use among family caregivers in China, with a focus on factors potentially associated with initial adoption and continued engagement.

A 3-wave survey was conducted over 6 months with 240 primary caregivers of children with disabilities in China. A 2-part latent growth curve model was used to jointly model adoption (use vs nonuse) and engagement (use frequency among users). Key demographic, psychosocial, and child-related factors were examined as predictors.

Adoption increased significantly over time (probit slope=0.54, SE 0.16; P=.001). Higher baseline adoption was associated with male sex (β=.19; P=.02), higher education (β=.42; P<.001), better socioeconomic status (β=.26; P=.001), stronger social support (β=.17; P=.03), and more depressive symptoms (β=.18; P=.02). Among users, engagement frequency showed no significant average change over time (mean slope=-0.07, SE 0.07; P=.31). Higher initial engagement was associated with higher education (β=.36; P<.001) and social support (β=.20; P=.04). Better child rehabilitation status was associated with steeper declines in engagement over time (β=-.28; P=.03).

Adoption and engagement showed distinct longitudinal patterns and were associated with different factors. The findings suggest that reducing digital barriers and aligning support with caregivers' evolving needs may be relevant to facilitating platform use and sustained engagement. This study offers a theory-informed lens for describing digital support platform use among vulnerable caregiving populations.