Quantifying the association between rural older adult daily internet use duration and affective disorders: an empirical study based on propensity score matching.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are significant disparities in internet usage among rural older adults, while affective disorder is an increasing public health concern. The potential link between these phenomena remains underexplored. This study investigates the association between internet use and affective disorder among rural older adults, to inform public health policies promoting appropriate internet engagement and psychological well-being.

Methods

The baseline survey of the Northern China Lifestyle Medicine Cohort was conducted among rural older adult (≥65 years old) in China from July 2023 to January 2024. Questionnaires were used to collect data on the average daily usage schedule of the Internet and emotional disorders. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to determin

SUBMITTER: Miao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12834733 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature