Digital Pathways to Reducing Depression Among Aging Populations Through the "Broadband China" Pilot Program: Quasi-Natural Experiment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

With the rise of digital technology, infrastructure development has become vital for social welfare and public health. However, evidence on its effects on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults remains limited.

Objective

This study evaluates the impact of digital infrastructure development on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults, focusing on underlying mechanisms, heterogeneous effects, and health inequalities.

Methods

We use longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), 2011-2020 (N=56,211). Exploiting the quasi-natural experiment of the "Broadband China" pilot policy, we apply a difference-in-differences approach to estimate the effect on depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis follow

SUBMITTER: Li Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12603584 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature