Full text

Turn on search term navigation

© 2025. This work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Background:Access to digital technology is among the major social determinants of health, and digital divide impacts health inequality. Yet, the impact of digital connectivity on the well-being and psychosocial outcomes in adults has not been fully studied.

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the association of home broadband connection with health and well-being of middle-aged adults and adults older than 45 years in China.

Methods:A panel data study design of the national sample of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was conducted in 2015, 2018, and 2020. This study included 16,185 participants older than 45 years. The associations between digital connectivity (home broadband connection), loneliness, social participation, and life satisfaction were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression models, adjusting for socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors, and locality. Broadband internet connectivity, feelings of loneliness, social participation, and satisfaction with life were measured using the self-reported CHARLS questionnaire.

Results:We observed a substantial increase in digital connectivity from 29.5% in 2015 to 59.8% in 2020. Broadband internet connection at home was positively correlated with social participation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.34, 95% CI 1.28-1.41) and life satisfaction (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.40), after adjusting for confounding factors, while the absence of broadband internet connection was associated with increased loneliness (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77-0.86). These associations were consistent across age, gender, socioeconomic groups, and geographic areas.

Conclusions:This study highlights the potential additional health benefits of digital connectivity beyond the known advantages. Our results suggest the importance of expanding broadband access to enhance social inclusion and life satisfaction. Further research is needed to understand the broader implications and digital determinants of health associated with digital connectivity.

Details

Title
Understanding the Association Between Home Broadband Connection and Well-Being Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: Nationally Representative Panel Data Study
Author
Lu, Yang  VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Lynch, Chris  VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Lee, John Tayu  VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Oldenburg, Brian  VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Haregu, Tilahun  VIAFID ORCID Logo 
First page
e59023
Section
Demographics of Users, Social & Digital Divide
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
Gunther Eysenbach MD MPH, Associate Professor
e-ISSN
1438-8871
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3222368590
Copyright
© 2025. This work is licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.