Depressive symptoms and internet use among middle-aged and older adults pre- and post-COVID-19 outbreak: a network analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the effects of social isolation on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults. This study aimed to explore the network structures of depressive symptoms among Chinese middle-aged and older adults before and after the COVID-19 outbreak and investigate their associations with Internet use.

Methods

Two cross-sectional datasets were obtained from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Depressive symptoms and Internet use were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) and self-reported Internet use. Network analysis was conducted to identify central symptoms and differences between the two networks and their associations with Internet use.

R

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273029 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature