Multidimensional Internet Use, Social Participation, and Depression Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Individuals: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There is growing evidence that the internet has beneficial effects on the mental health of middle-aged and older people (≥45 years), but the evidence is inconclusive, and the underlying mechanisms are less known.

Objective

This study aims to explore the relationship between multidimensional (devices, frequency, and purpose) internet use and depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as the mediating effect of social participation. Moreover, this study will explore the moderating effect of the regional informatization development level (RIDL) on the relationships between individual internet use, social participation, and depression.

Methods

Data on 17,676 participants aged 45 years or older were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longi

SUBMITTER: Du X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10500359 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature