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Mu A, Liu Z. Assessing the Impact of Internet Skills on Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Instrumental Variables Analysis. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e50880. [PMID: 38533782 PMCID: PMC11004627 DOI: 10.2196/50880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The potential benefits of IT for the well-being of older adults have been widely anticipated. However, findings regarding the impact of internet use on depressive symptoms are inconsistent. As a result of IT's exponential growth, internet skills have supplanted internet access as the source of the digital divide. Objective This study evaluates the effect of internet skills on depressive symptoms through an instrumental variables (IV) approach. Methods Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study's wave 4 (2018) were used. This included 16,949 community residents aged 45 years and older. To overcome the endogeneity issue, we used an IV approach. Results Our results reveal the emergence of a second-level digital divide, the disparity in internet skills, among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Liner regression suggests that a 1% increase in internet skills is associated with a 0.037% decrease in depressive symptoms (β=-.037, SE 0.009), which underestimates the causal effect. As expected, internet skills are an endogenous variable (F test P value <.001). IV regressions indicate that a 1% increase in internet skills reduces 1.135% (SE 0.471) to 1.741% (SE 0.297) of depressive symptoms. These 2 IV are neither weak (F-1=16.7 and 28.5; both >10) nor endogenous (Wu-Hausman test P value of .10; >.05 or >.01). Conclusions Better mental health is predicted through improved and higher internet skills. Consequently, residents and policy makers in China should focus on bridging the digital divide in internet skills among middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruhan Mu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhang L, Li S, Ren Y. Does internet use benefit the mental health of older adults? Empirical evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25397. [PMID: 38352772 PMCID: PMC10861963 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The mental health (MH) of older adults is a prominent public health concern. However, research regarding the impact of emerging Internet use on MH among older adults remains limited, particularly in transitional economies experiencing a rapidly aging population such as China. Thus, to address this research gap, this study uses data from the 2013-2018 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. To investigate the causal relationship between Internet use and MH among older adults and explore the underlying channels through which this relationship operates. The results reveal a notable positive association between Internet use and MH among older adults. Furthermore, the study highlights social interaction, social trust, traveling expenses, and healthy habits as crucial channels through which Internet use can impact MH among older adults. The analysis also reveals how Internet use demonstrates a stronger positive effect on older individuals who have fewer chronic diseases and live with their offspring compared with their counterparts. These findings have significant policy implications, which thus emphasizes the need to enhance Internet use among older adults as a means of improving their MH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Zhang
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Rd, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Six Industrial Research Institute, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Rd, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shaoting Li
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Rd, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanjun Ren
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A&F University, 3 Taicheng Rd, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
- Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Theodor-Lieser-Str. 2, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Mu A, Hong Z, Wu X. Connecting through clicks: A longitudinal examination of internet use and depressive symptoms among middle- and old-aged Chinese. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:218-224. [PMID: 38211966 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
AIM While prior investigations into the influence of internet engagement on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older individuals have largely been favorable, concerns persist. Some research posits that internet use may detract from direct interpersonal interactions, elevating depression risks. Here, we scrutinize these contrasting views, endeavoring to delineate the relationship between internet use, social participation, and the ensuing depressive manifestations. METHODS We analyzed nationally representative data from three consecutive waves (2013-T1, 2015-T2, 2018-T3) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study survey. Measures of social participation encompassed formal social participation (i.e., attending clubs for mahjong, chess, sports, or other activities; participation in community organizations, volunteering, or enrolling in training courses) and informal social participation (i.e., interactions with friends or extending assistance to relatives, friends, or neighbors). Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate a focused longitudinal mediation model. RESULTS Our dataset comprised 13 671 individuals aged 45 years or older. Baseline internet use was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms by T3 (c ' = -0.143, SE = 0.055). The longitudinal association between internet use and the alleviation of depressive symptoms was partially mediated by enhanced formal social participation (indirect effecta 1 × b 1 = -0.023, SE = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS For developing nations such as China, grappling with a rapidly aging demographic and scarce mental health infrastructure, pioneering initiatives that merge digital and formal social participation might be a valuable component in a multifaceted approach to alleviate late-life depression. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 218-224.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruhan Mu
- School of Management, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, China
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziying Hong
- School of Management, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Service Computing, Yunnan University of Finance and Economics, Kunming, China
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Zhang C, Zhang Y, Wang Y. A study on Internet use and subjective well-being among Chinese older adults: based on CGSS (2012-2018) five-wave mixed interface survey data. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1277789. [PMID: 38249375 PMCID: PMC10799343 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1277789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is designed to investigate the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being of the older adults in China, and to analyze the mediating role of subjective social fairness in the above relationship. Methods Based on the five-wave mixed interface survey data of China General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018, we select a total of 18,458 older adults aged 60 and above, and comprehensively used ordered probit regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) mediating effect test methods. Results The analysis results show that (1) Internet use is significantly positively correlated with the subjective well-being of the older adults, and the higher the frequency of use, the stronger the subjective well-being. (2) Place of residence, education, and regional factors moderated the effect of Internet use on subjective well-being. The subjective well-being effect of Internet use is significant among male older adults, as well as on urban, educated, or eastern older adults. (3) Subjective social fairness plays a negative mediating role in the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being of older adults. Conclusion The findings suggest that Internet use contributes to the improvement of subjective well-being in older adults, but attenuates this effect by reducing the subjective social fairness. Future research should further consider other factors such as the purpose, specific function, intensity of Internet use, etc., to gain a deeper understanding of how the Internet can help promote well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- Institute of Network Social Governance, School of Marxism, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- School of Economics and Trade, Guangdong University of Finance, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Law and Sociology, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
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Chen W, Ding M, Wang X. The Contribution of the Internet to Promoting Mental Health for Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Survey in China. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40172. [PMID: 38113096 PMCID: PMC10762612 DOI: 10.2196/40172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health is an important topic for everyone and essential to high-quality economic and social development. Recently, some researchers have suggested that older adults' internet use may have a health effect. OBJECTIVE This study specifically aims to clarify the relationship between internet use and the mental health of older adults, for which other surveys present contradictory results. METHODS Data were obtained from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey conducted in 2018. A total of 6648 participants were included. Mental health was assessed by the 12-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Ordinary least squares regression was adopted to explore the relationship between internet use (independent variable) and the mental health of older adults. Robustness analysis, sensitivity analysis, and heterogeneity analysis were conducted in detail to verify the empirical result. A mediating effect analysis was further conducted to discover the effect mechanism between the dependent and independent variables. RESULTS It was found that internet use and smartphone use can significantly improve the mental health of older adults (ordinary least squares, β=.075; P<.001). After endogenous and robustness tests were conducted, the aforementioned conclusion remained robust. In particular, participation in voluntary activities played a mediating role in the relationship between internet use and the mental health of older adults. In addition, younger subjective age enhanced the positive effect of internet use on the mental health of older adults. CONCLUSIONS Internet users showed higher levels of mental health among Chinese older adults. To improve the mental health of older adults, the government should not only cultivate the ability to use the internet but also encourage greater participation in voluntary activities among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichao Chen
- Department of Editing and Publishing, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengjun Ding
- Department of Editing and Publishing, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Statistics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
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Zhang H, Zhang H, Shan L, Xia Y, Zhao Y. Internet accessibility and incident depressive symptoms in middle aged and older adults in China: A national longitudinal cohort study. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:355-361. [PMID: 37572699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the rapid development of the Internet over the past ten years, its widespread applications and accessibility may cause dynamic changes in the association between internet use and depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the association between internet accessibility (including broadband connection, internet use, frequency, and devices for internet use), as well as its changes, and the risk of incident depressive symptoms for middle aged and older adults based on a cohort study. METHODS 8772 participants with three repeat waves of follow-up (average 6.04 years) were included. Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to explore risk effects. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % Confidence Intervals [CI] were presented. RESULTS Incidence density for depressive symptoms was 53.89 for every 1000 person-years. The rate of internet usage by middle aged and older adults in China increased evidently from 2012 to 2018 (16.39 % vs 77.41 %). Broadband internet connection (BIC) (HR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.71, 0.90) and moderate frequency of internet use (IU) (HR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.10, 0.92) were associated with decreased risk of depressive symptoms. Participants who changed from no internet accessibility to internet accessibility were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms (BIC: HR = 0.46, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.51; IU: HR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.34, 0.51). Using large screen devices (HR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.91) for internet access, instead of phones, was associated with lower risk of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Older adults should be encouraged to use the Internet; online time, frequency, and devices for internet use should be considered simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehua Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Lishen Shan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Sanhao Street, No. 36, Heping District, Shenyang 110002, China.
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7
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Wang J, Zhang L, Wang S, Zhang L. Living arrangements, health lifestyles, and health outcomes among Chinese oldest-old. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1235768. [PMID: 37876711 PMCID: PMC10591327 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prior literature has documented a strong correlation between living arrangements and older adults' health outcomes. However, few studies have explained why this association exists. This study took the health lifestyle theory approach and brought health lifestyles into the link between living arrangements and Chinese oldest-old health outcomes. It examined (1) whether healthy lifestyle behaviors among the oldest-old varied by household contexts and (2) whether the health disparities among the Chinese oldest-old in different household contexts could be partially explained by their healthy lifestyles. Methods Using the most recent 2018 data released by the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), latent class analysis was applied to identify predominant health lifestyles among the Chinese oldest-old aged 85-105 years. Regression analyses were used to test the mediating effect of health lifestyles. Results Three distinct classes representing the health lifestyles of Chinese oldest-old emerged; health lifestyle patterns were found to vary by elders' living arrangements. The respondent's health lifestyles in diverse residential structures served as a mediator which can partially explain the health disparities among the oldest-old. Conclusion The results suggested that health lifestyles can serve as a mediator to explain the association between oldest-old living arrangement patterns and their health outcomes. The findings highlighted the importance of family, lifestyles, and cultural contexts to the health of the oldest-old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- School of Law, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Lanxi Zhang
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shen Wang
- School of International Relations, Beijing International Studies University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
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8
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Liu C, Gao Y, Jia Z, Zhao L. Association of Public Sports Space Perception with Health-Related Quality of Life in Middle-Aged and Older Adults-Evidence from a Survey in Shandong, China. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:736. [PMID: 37754014 PMCID: PMC10525232 DOI: 10.3390/bs13090736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Creating a healthy living environment for middle-aged and older adults is a key strategy for countries to address the aging challenge, but the effects of such an environment on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of middle-aged and older adults remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine the link between public sports facilities and the HRQoL of middle-aged and older adult residents in communities. A total of 1169 respondents (average age: 66.84; male: 46.19%) were selected from the Shandong, China. This study measured respondents 'physical activity (PA) using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the HRQoL of respondents using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, and the Public Sports Space Perception Scale for respondents' public sports space perception. Correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were employed to test the relationship among public sports space perception, physical activity (PA), and HRQoL. The mediating role of PA was conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The results revealed that public sports space perception only influenced the HRQoL of middle-aged and older adults through light-intensity PA (PCS: B = 0.09, 95% CI 0.01, 0.03; MCS: B = 0.02, 95% CI 0.01, 0.05) among light-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA, vigorous-intensity PA., and this mediation model varied across different age groups of middle-aged and older adults. Moreover, digital inclusion only moderated the psychological aspect of HRQoL of middle-aged and older adults (p < 0.05). This study provided empirical evidence for enhancing the HRQoL of middle-aged and older adults and offered useful insights for the planning and design of public sports facilities and the formulation of health management policies for middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Liu
- School of Medical Information Engineering, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China;
| | - Yan Gao
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China; (Z.J.); (L.Z.)
| | - Zhihao Jia
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China; (Z.J.); (L.Z.)
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China; (Z.J.); (L.Z.)
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Li P, Zhang C, Gao S, Zhang Y, Liang X, Wang C, Zhu T, Li W. Association Between Daily Internet Use and Incidence of Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults: Prospective Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46298. [PMID: 37459155 PMCID: PMC10390981 DOI: 10.2196/46298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic disease incidence among the elderly is increasing, which is correlated with the acceleration of population aging. Evolving internet technologies may help prevent and provide interventions for chronic diseases in an accelerating aging process. However, the impact of daily internet use on the incidence of chronic diseases is not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether daily internet use by middle-aged and older adults may inhibit or promote the occurrence of chronic diseases. METHODS We included participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a longitudinal survey of Chinese residents aged ≥45 years. We assessed 8-year data from wave 1 (June 2011-March 2012) to wave 4 (July-September 2018) in CHARLS. Data from wave 4 were used for a cross-sectional study, and data from all 4 waves were used for a longitudinal study. Self-reported data were used to track variables, including internet use, use frequency, and the incidence of different chronic diseases. Cox proportional hazards modeling was applied in the longitudinal study to examine the relationship between daily internet use and chronic diseases among middle-aged and older adults, while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. In addition, longitudinal data were used to analyze internet usage trends, and cross-sectional data were used to analyze the factors influencing internet use. RESULTS Among the 20,113 participants included in the longitudinal analyses, internet use increased significantly, from 2% to 12.3%, between 2011 and 2018. The adjusted model found statistically significant relationships between daily internet use and a lower incidence of the following chronic diseases: hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.95, P=.01), chronic lung disease (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.97, P=.03), stroke (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.94, P=.02), digestive disease (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.91, P=.005), memory-related disorders (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.91, P=.02), arthritis or rheumatism (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.76, P<.001), asthma (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.84, P=.007), depression (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, P<.001), and vision impairment (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93, P=.004). Moreover, our study also showed that with increasing frequency of internet use, the risk of some chronic diseases decreases. CONCLUSIONS This study found that middle-aged and older adults who use the internet have a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases versus those who do not use the internet. The increasing prevalence of daily internet use among middle-aged and older adults may stimulate contemplation of the potential role of internet platforms in future research on chronic disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuanliang Gao
- Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- President's Office, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Hüsch T, Ober S, Haferkamp A, Schneidewind L, Saar M, Kranz J. Digital health information on surgical treatment options for overactive bladder is underrepresented. World J Urol 2023; 41:1891-1896. [PMID: 37272960 PMCID: PMC10352412 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-023-04447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Digital health information gains growing importance in the medical landscape. Despite its opportunities, there is a risk of patient misinformation which may adversely influence the patient-physician relationship. This investigation aimed to identify and compare differences in the content and quality of online health information on overactive bladder (OAB) between different digital platforms. METHODS The platforms Google search, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube were searched for the keyword OAB. The search result links were classified as useful or misleading, advertisement and personal experience. Information regarding the organization of the source and available content on treatment modalities was collected. Descriptive analysis was applied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate heterogeneity regarding the distribution of information depending on the source. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The source with the highest quantity of useful content was YouTube (100%) and Google (100%), whereas LinkedIn included mostly misleading content (73%). YouTube and Google provided the greatest variety of health information and were dominated by professional associations. Surgical procedures for treating OAB were only described in 32% and 48% of Google and YouTube results, respectively. On Google, sacral neuromodulation and OnabotulinumtoxinA were described in 26% and bladder augmentation in only 16% of the search results. In contrast, alternative medicine was present in 76%. CONCLUSIONS A large gap in the information on surgical treatments of OAB could be identified independently from the utilized source. In contrast, conservative treatments and alternative medicine dominate the current informational sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Hüsch
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center of Johannes-Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Sita Ober
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center of Johannes-Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Axel Haferkamp
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Medical Center of Johannes-Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Laila Schneidewind
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Matthias Saar
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kranz
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Urology and Kidney Transplantation, Martin-Luther-University, Halle (Saale), Germany
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11
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Wu Z, Zhang J, Jiang M, Zhang J, Xiao YW. The longitudinal associations between perceived importance of the internet and depressive symptoms among a sample of Chinese adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1167740. [PMID: 37361143 PMCID: PMC10286239 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1167740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which individuals' cognitive evaluation of the importance of the Internet is associated with depressive symptoms, and in what ways. Methods This study utilized a sample of 4,100 participants from the fourth (2016), fifth (2018), and sixth (2020) waves of the China Family Panel Studies. Structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. Result The findings of this study reveal that individuals' cognitive evaluation of the importance of the Internet in 2016 was positively linked with the frequency of Internet use and subjective socioeconomic status in 2018. Furthermore, the frequency of Internet use and subjective socioeconomic status in 2018 were found to be negatively associated with depressive symptoms in 2020. These results indicate that the perceived importance of the Internet has an indirect effect on depressive symptoms through the identified pathway. Conclusion The present findings contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the importance of individuals' perceived importance of the internet as a significant factor that influences depressive symptoms. The results suggest that policy makers should take actions to increase public awareness of the importance of the Internet in the digital era, and to ensure equitable access to the internet, thus facilitating convenient internet use and helping individuals adapt to the digital age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Wu
- 1School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiabo Zhang
- School of Literature and Media, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Maomin Jiang
- 1School of Public Affairs, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- School of Education, Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines
| | - Ye-Wei Xiao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Mu A, Yuan S, Liu Z. Internet use and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: Two sides of internet use. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1149872. [PMID: 36969621 PMCID: PMC10034360 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1149872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between internet use which includes time spent on the internet, internet skills, types of online activities, and depressive symptoms in older adults.MethodsWe used 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data with 3,171 older adults aged 60 years. Depression symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D), and internet use was measured by time spent on the internet, internet skills, and types of online activities. Multiple linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between internet use and depressive symptoms in older adults.ResultsLonger time spent on the internet was associated with higher scores of depressive symptoms (β = 0.14). Higher internet skills were associated with lower scores of depressive symptoms (β = −0.42). Watching short-form videos (β = 1.34) was associated with higher depressive symptom scores, and the use of the WeChat function (β = −0.96) was associated with lower depressive symptom scores, while online games and online shopping were not significant.ConclusionThe effect of internet use on depressive symptoms in older adults is a double-edged sword. Controlling the time spent on the internet, improving internet skills, and guiding specific a type of online activities in older adults can improve depressive symptoms through rational use.
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Zheng H, Ma W, Li J, Botero J. Relationship between Internet Use and Negative Affect. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2023; 18:1-21. [PMID: 37359227 PMCID: PMC9974400 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-023-10158-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
While positive emotions like happiness and life satisfaction have received great attention, how to eliminate negative affect is largely neglected. This study contributes to the literature by examining the relationship between Internet use and people's negative affect. Unlike previous studies that consider only one indicator, we capture negative affect from different dimensions by considering loneliness, sadness, and life hardship. We employ an endogenous ordered probit model to address the selection bias of Internet use and analyze the 20,107 individual-level samples sourced from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies survey. The results show that Internet use significantly reduces people's loneliness, sadness, and life hardship. We also find that studying online and watching short videos would increase people's loneliness feeling and shopping online deepens people's life hardship. In contrast, using WeChat significantly reduces sadness and life hardship. Our findings confirm that guiding people to use the Internet appropriately is necessary to reduce negative affect and improve the quality of their life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Zheng
- College of Economics and Management, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanglin Ma
- Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Junpeng Li
- School of Economics and Management, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai‘an, China
| | - Julio Botero
- Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
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14
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Li L, Jin G, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Jing R. Internet access, support, usage divides, and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: A nationally representative cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:514-523. [PMID: 36496102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the associations between multiple sub-dimensions of the digital divide, including Internet access, support, usage divides, and depressive symptoms among older adults as well as the potential moderating effects of rural/urban status on these associations in China. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, which provided a nationally representative sample of 11,418 participants aged 60 years and older. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between digital divide and depressive symptoms. The moderating role of rural/urban status was tested based on the interaction terms. RESULTS After controlling for the covariates, access to Internet devices, support for Internet use from family, and using the Internet for communication, entertainment, or as instruments, were found to be significantly associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms (P < 0.05), and compared with no access to the Internet, accessing and using the Internet was significantly related to decreased depressive risks (P < 0.001), whereas access to the Internet with non-use was not statistically significant. Additionally, the associations between multidimensional aspects of the digital divide and depressive symptoms were moderated by rural/urban status, with these associations being significantly stronger among rural older adults (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of assessing the associations between digital divide and depressive symptoms from the multidimensional perspectives of access, support, and usage. Policy interventions targeting various aspects of the digital divide should be implemented to ensure active Internet engagement among older adults, especially those living in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Li
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhao Jin
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yalong Guo
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyang Zhang
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Rize Jing
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
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15
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The association between constant and new Internet use and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: The role of structural social capital. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Wei L, Xu J, Luo C, Lu R, Shi H. Latent Profile Analysis of Self-Supporting Ability among Rural Empty-Nesters in Northwestern China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:711. [PMID: 36613031 PMCID: PMC9819806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the multi-faceted self-supporting ability profiles of rural empty-nesters in northwestern China on the basis of the self-care ability, economic self-support ability, health self-maintenance ability, physical health self-maintenance ability, and psychological health self-maintenance ability using latent profile analysis. It identified the association of self-supporting ability profiles with demographic variables and sense of coherence. The analysis included 1066 participants (mean age = 70.2; SD = 4.3). The results of latent profile analysis identified three distinctive patterns of self-supporting ability―low physical health self-maintenance ability (C1, 20.5%), low psychological health self-maintenance ability (C2, 31.4%), and high social self-adaption ability (C3, 48.0%). The specific demographic variable age (p < 0.05), monthly income (p < 0.05), education level (p < 0.05), how often their children visit (p < 0.05), how often their children contact them (p < 0.05), whether they drink (p < 0.05), the frequency of physical exercise (p < 0.05), relationship with children (p < 0.05), relationship with neighbours (p < 0.05), medical insurance (p < 0.05), and the number of chronic diseases (p < 0.05) were significantly different among the identified three profiles. A statistically significant positive association existed between self-supporting ability profiles and sense of coherence (SOC) (p < 0.001). The results of multinomial logistic regression showed that a greater sense of coherence (SOC), age ≥ 80, monthly income (RMB) (RMB is the abbreviation for Renminbi) < 1000, a good relationship with neighbours, and one type of chronic disease were significantly associated with C1 when compared with C3 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a greater SOC, their children visiting and contacting them many times per week or once per week were more significantly related to C2 than to C3 (p < 0.05). This study revealed three groups of self-supporting ability and its related predictors in empty-nesters. The predictors related to particular classes of self-supporting ability can provide information for targeted interventions to improve the self-supporting ability of empty-nesters living in rural areas.
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17
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Chen Y, Wei M, Ortiz J. How do digital lives affect resident mental health in the digital era? Empirical evidence based on Chinese general social survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1085256. [PMID: 36568747 PMCID: PMC9768555 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1085256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Having good mental health means we are better able to connect, function, cope and thrive. The widespread application of digital technology in daily life provides new ways and promising tools for residents to maintain their mental health. Given the importance of mental health for everyone, and the fact that mental health problems are prevalent worldwide, this study discusses how digital lives affects the mental health of residents. The results suggest that digital lives are significantly and positively associated with mental health. Mechanisms analysis identifies personal perceptions (self-rated physical exercise and subjective wellbeing) as the important paths for digital lives to promote mental health, while social perceptions (social trust and social fairness) play a suppressing effect on the relationship between them. The results of further discussion show that the degree of the influence of digital lives on mental health of individuals is heterogeneous among different regions. Due to the difference in development level, the positive impact of digital lives is greater in urban areas than in rural areas, and it is stronger in western regions than in eastern and central regions. This study enriches the nascent research stream of digitalization, explores new paths of harnessing digital technologies for mental health, and offers useful insights for the government to guide them in formulating digital development strategies and achieving the Healthy China Strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyang Wei
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Mengyang Wei
| | - Jaime Ortiz
- Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
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18
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Liu N, He Y, Li Z. The Relationship between Internet Use and Self-Rated Health among Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Social Support. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14785. [PMID: 36429504 PMCID: PMC9690403 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The development of Internet technology has significantly impacted how people live their daily lives. How this disparity in Internet use affects the self-rated health of older adults needs to be further explored. This paper studies the impact of Internet use on self-rated health, aiming to examine the effect of Internet use and social support on the self-rated health of older adults in China. This study used data from the 2017 China General Social Survey (CGSS) to verify the effect of Internet use on older adults' self-rated health. The results showed that Chinese elderly who used the Internet had a higher self-rated health, and social support from relatives and friends significantly improved the elderly's self-rated health. This social support played a critical, partially mediating role between Internet use and self-rated health. In China, the effect of Internet use on older adults' self-rated health was heterogeneous. Among them, the impact of Internet use was more significant for the male elderly, younger elderly, and rural elderly. The results suggest that the government should formulate targeted policies to improve the utilization of the Internet and maintain a good Internet environment to enhance the well-being of older adults according to the trend of population aging and the popularity of the Internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Liu
- School of Public Administration, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Yujing He
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zhirong Li
- School of Architecture and Art, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
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19
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Yang HL, Zhang S, Cheng SM, Li ZY, Wu YY, Zhang SQ, Wang JH, Tao YW, Yao YD, Xie L, Xiao WJ, Tang XQ, Wu J, Shen Z, Tang LL. A study on the impact of Internet use on depression among Chinese older people under the perspective of social participation. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:701. [PMID: 35999498 PMCID: PMC9398499 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03359-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the role of social participation in the relationship between internet use and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults and investigate how the internet use interact with social participation to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms. Methods Based on the survey from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018, we identified 4645 subjects and used the Ordinary Least Square method (OLS) and Propensity Score Matching method (PSM) to identify the association between Internet use and depression of older people, and further test how social participation played a role in the relationship. Results The level of depression of older people was significantly reduced in those who using internet in China, and the effect was still robust under different identification methods. The mental health was improved when using internet because of the increase of social participation and social capital. Further, The positive effect was stronger especially in those who were female, living in rural areas, has low education attainments and were 70–79 years old. Conclusions The popularity of internet use has a positive effect on the depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults. Effective measures were encouraged to improve the friendliness of internet for older people and promote the popularization of the Internet and older group, achieving the spiritual well-being of them in the Internet society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Lei Yang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China.
| | - Si-Meng Cheng
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Li
- College of Politics and Public Administration, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan-Yang Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Si-Qing Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Hao Wang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Wen Tao
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Dan Yao
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Xie
- Institution of Population and Labor Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Science, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Jing Xiao
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Tang
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Public Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Shen
- School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Tang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, China
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20
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Liu X, Liu F, Ruan W, Chen Y, Qu S, Wang W. Mental health status and associated contributing factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:928880. [PMID: 35937219 PMCID: PMC9354451 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.928880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Little is known about the mental health of the Hakka elderly. This study explores the status of, and factors associated with mental health among Hakka elderly populations from Fujian, China. Methods This is a cross-sectional, community-based survey study containing a total of 1,262 valid samples. The Chinese version Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) was used to assess the mental health status of the Hakka elderly. We used t-tests to compare the differences for 10 dimensions of SCL-90-R scores between the Chinese national norm and the Hakka elderly. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed by using linear regression analysis to identify the main socio-demographic factors that were most predictive of the total score of SCL-90-R in the Hakka elderly. Results The scores of somatization (1.78 ± 0.55 vs. 1.40 ± 0.46, P < 0.001) and phobic anxiety (1.21 ± 0.36 vs. 1.17 ± 0.31, P < 0.001) for the Hakka elderly in Fujian appeared to be significantly higher than the Chinese norm. The higher total scores of SCL-90-R were found among females (β = 0.030, P = 0.044), widowed persons (β = 0.053, P = 0.021), those with parent(s) alive (β = 0.047, P = 0.019), and those with poorer self-rated health status (β = 0.110, P < 0.001). The lower total scores of SCL-90-R were found among those who were currently living in town, those with lower education level, those with higher average annual household incomes, and those who were living with spouse or children. Conclusion The worse mental health conditions of the Hakka elderly in somatization and phobic anxiety were detected. The overall mental health status was shown to be worse among females, widowed persons, those who were living in village, those with lower education, and those with father or/and mother alive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Ruan
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yating Chen
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuming Qu
- Department of Health Management, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Department of Public Administration, Law School/Institute of Local Government Development, Shantou University, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Wenxin Wang
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21
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Chen WC, Yang L, Wang XY. Internet Use, Cultural Engagement, and Multi-Dimensional Health of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:887840. [PMID: 35692319 PMCID: PMC9185139 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.887840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of the Internet, it continuously penetrates the life of older adults around the world. This study aims to explore the effect of Internet use on the multi-dimensional health of the elderly with the mediating role of cultural engagement. Using data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2015 and 2017, this study adopts logistic regression and a single-step multiple mediation model to investigate how Internet use affects the multi-dimensional health of older adults in China. The results show that Internet use has positive effects on the self-rated health, physical health, and mental health of the elderly. Endogenous tests, robustness analysis, and sensitivity analysis show that the above conclusions remain robust. Additionally, the mediating effect analysis shows that cultural engagement plays a mediating role in the relationship between Internet use and the three health-related responses. Therefore, to improve the elderly's health level, the government should not only cultivate the ability to use the Internet but also encourage greater cultural engagement amongst the aged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-chao Chen
- School of Journalism and Communication, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Liu Yang
- School of Journalism and Communication, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-yan Wang
- College of Finance and Statistics, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-yan Wang
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22
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Li Y, Bai X, Chen H. Social Isolation, Cognitive Function, and Depression Among Chinese Older Adults: Examining Internet Use as a Predictor and a Moderator. Front Public Health 2022; 10:809713. [PMID: 35359786 PMCID: PMC8963936 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.809713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Despite the theoretical and practical interest in Internet use among older adults, evidence examining the impacts of Internet use on late-in-life health is limited. This study examines how Internet use affects depression and cognitive function in older adults and investigates if Internet use moderates the relationship between social isolation and depression/cognitive function. Method We performed regression analyses using data came from the second wave of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey of 2016. Our final sample featured 8,835 older adults. Results The results show 11.4% of Chinese older adults often used the Internet to engage in at least one activity. Internet use was negatively associated with depression, but it was positively related to cognitive function. Socially isolated older adults were more likely to have more depressive symptoms and higher level of cognitive function. There was also an interaction effect between Internet use and social isolation on depression/cognitive function. The negative effect of social isolation was stronger for older adults who used the Internet less. The moderating effect of Internet use was significant for both males and females. However, among those who used the Internet more, the depression levels of socially isolated male participants were much lower than female participants. Conclusions Our results reveal the importance of considering Internet use in buffering the negative effects of social isolation and the associated health burdens for aging populations. Recommendations for service practice and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjun Li
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Greater Bay Area International Institute for Innovations, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Honglin Chen
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Social Work, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Honglin Chen
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Jin W, Liu Y, Yuan S, Bai R, Li X, Bai Z. The Effectiveness of Technology-Based Interventions for Reducing Loneliness in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Psychol 2021; 12:711030. [PMID: 34955948 PMCID: PMC8692663 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.711030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To systematically analyze the effectiveness of technology-based interventions for reducing loneliness in older adults. Methods: We searched relevant electronic databases from inception to April 2021, which included Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, SpringerLink, EMBASE, CNKI, and Wanfang. The following criteria were used: (i) study design—randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs, (ii) people—older adults (aged ≥ 60 years), (iii) intervention—technology-based interventions in which a core component involved the use of technology to reduce loneliness in older adults; and (iv) outcome—reduction of loneliness level in terms of rating scale scores. Two reviewers independently identified eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. A third reviewer resolved any conflicts. The Cochrane Collaboration's bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias for the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis. A random effects model was adopted to measure estimates of loneliness reduction, and standard mean differences (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each intervention-control contrast, and the I2 statistic was applied to examine heterogeneity. Results: A total of 391 participants from six RCTs were included in the review. Of these, three studies were rated as low-quality, and the remaining three were rated as moderate-quality studies. The meta-analysis showed that the evidence regarding the effects on loneliness of technology-based interventions compared with control groups was uncertain, and suggested that technology-based interventions resulted in little to no difference in loneliness reduction compared to control groups (SMD = −0.08, 95% CI −0.33 to 0.17, p = 0.53). Two types of technology-based interventions were identified: smartphone-based video calls and computer-based training with Internet usage. The subgroup analysis found low-quality evidence to support the effectiveness of both intervention types (SMD = −0.01, 95% CI −0.25 to 0.24, p = 0.95, and SMD = −0.38, 95% CI −0.19, 0.64, p = 0.47, respectively). Conclusions: We found no current evidence to support that technology-based interventions were effective compared to different control conditions in reducing loneliness in older adults. This suggests that more research is needed to investigate the effects of technology-based interventions on loneliness in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Jin
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Yihong Liu
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shulin Yuan
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruhai Bai
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuebin Li
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenggang Bai
- Department of Sociology, School of Public Affairs, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
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Impact of Internet Use on Mental Health among Elderly Individuals: A Difference-in-Differences Study Based on 2016-2018 CFPS Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010101. [PMID: 35010361 PMCID: PMC8749999 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The number of elderly Internet users has increased significantly in the past few years. However, the impact of Internet use on mental health remains unclear. In this study, we performed a difference-in-differences analysis using data from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to evaluate the impact of Internet usage on mental health among elderly individuals. A total of 5031 validated respondents were included to explore the relationship between Internet use and reduced levels of depression as well as improved life satisfaction among elderly individuals. The results showed that Internet use significantly reduced depression levels. Unexpectedly, Internet use was not found to improve life satisfaction. Moreover, discontinuing Internet use was not significantly associated with improvements in depression or life satisfaction. More research is needed to fully elucidate the relationship between Internet use and depression levels, as well as life satisfaction among elderly individuals.
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25
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Zhang S, Zhang Y. The Relationship Between Internet Use and Mental Health Among Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Physical Exercise. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4697-4708. [PMID: 34866945 PMCID: PMC8633706 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s338183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Affected by internet applications, mental health among older adults has become an important public health issue in China. This study aimed to use cross-sectional data to explore how internet use affects mental health among older adults in China, along with the moderating role of physical exercise in the above relationship. Methods This study employed data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) conducted in 2017. In addition, OLS regression was adopted to explore the impacts of internet use on the mental health of older adults in China. Results Results from the cross-sectional data model showed that internet use had a statistically significant and positive correlation with the mental health of older adults. The regression result of the full sample showed that the regression coefficient of the influence of internet use on the mental health of the elderly was 0.114, which was significant at the 1% level. Furthermore, this study used mediating analysis to explore the possible underlying mechanism by which internet use influenced mental health status through physical exercise. Physical exercise played a mediating role in the relationship between internet use and mental health; the ratio of the indirect effect to total effect mediated was 0.272. It is important to note that the effect size of the indirect effect through physical exercise was quite large. Conclusion Our findings suggested that internet use was significantly associated with better mental health status for older Chinese residents, mediated by higher physical exercise frequency, which was consistent with China’s recent efforts to promote health governance with the “Internet Plus Exercise” campaign. Consequently, the government must encourage the development of more internet applications suitable for the elderly to increase their exercise frequency and ultimately improve their mental health. These results also provided insights for clinical solutions. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.,School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
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Mu A, Deng Z, Wu X, Zhou L. Does digital technology reduce health disparity? Investigating difference of depression stemming from socioeconomic status among Chinese older adults. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:264. [PMID: 33882865 PMCID: PMC8059190 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prior studies on health disparity have shown that socioeconomic status is critical to inequality of health outcomes such as depression. However, two questions await further investigation: whether disparity in depression correlated with socioeconomic status will become larger when depression becomes severer, and whether digital technology will reduce the disparity in depression correlated with socioeconomic status. Our study aims to answer the above two questions. Methods By using the dataset from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2015, we use quantile regression models to examine the association between socioeconomic status and depression across different quantiles, and test the moderating effect of digital technology. Results Our study obtains four key findings. First, the negative effects of socioeconomic status on depression present an increasing trend at high quantiles. Second, Internet usage exacerbates the disparity in depression associated with education level on average, but reduces this disparity associated with education level at high quantiles. Third, Internet usage reduces the disparity in depression associated with income on average and at high quantiles. Fourth, mobile phone ownership has almost no moderating effect on the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression. Conclusions Our findings suggest the potential use of digital technology in reducing disparity in depression correlated with socioeconomic status among middle-aged and aged individuals in developing countries. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02175-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruhan Mu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Zhaohua Deng
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Liqin Zhou
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Ma D, Yuan H. Neighborhood Environment, Internet Use and Mental Distress among Older Adults: The Case of Shanghai, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073616. [PMID: 33807261 PMCID: PMC8037533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the Internet evolves in urban communities, its consequences on mental distress have drawn significant research attention. We examine the relationships of mental distress with neighborhood environment and Internet use among older adults, using data from a representative sample of 2036 adults aged older than 60 years in Shanghai, China. We assess mental health with a 10-item scale from the Symptom Checklist 90 and Internet use with a 4-item scale and obtain information of neighborhood environment from an online map platform. Results from multilevel models show that both neighborhood environment and Internet use are significantly related to mental distress. Moreover, a worse neighborhood environment may strengthen the correlation between Internet use and mental distress, indicating the strong moderating role of the neighborhood environment. Thus, promoting Internet use among elderly people might result in a reduction in the prevalence of mental distress in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ma
- Department of Sociology, Shanghai Administration Institute, Shanghai 200233, China;
| | - Hao Yuan
- School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-66134142
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Public Medical Insurance and Healthcare Utilization and Expenditures of Older with Chronic Diseases in Rural China: Evidence from NRCMS. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207683. [PMID: 33096761 PMCID: PMC7589144 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
China's rural older are the threat from chronic diseases, making it important to evaluate the effect of public health insurance on the health care utilization and expenditures with chronic diseases. In 2003, China initiated a public health insurance, which was called the New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NRCMS). NRCMS is a voluntary program, targeting rural residents with government subsidies and individual contribution. Using the two-stage residual inclusion approach (2SRI), we analyzed the impact of NRCMS on health-care service utilization and expenditure of rural older with chronic diseases by using the 2011 and 2013 China Health and Retirement Survey (CHARLS) data. The results showed NRCMS did not play an effective role on improving the medical services utilization of rural older with chronic diseases. Although NRCMS immediate reimbursement significantly reduced the outpatient service fee, the actual outpatient reimbursement is the opposite. In addition, NRCMS did not significantly decrease their hospitalization expense. Policy makers should pay attention to health management about chronic diseases in rural China, and some measures should be taken to deepen the medical security system reform and improve the public health service system.
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