The associations between broadband Internet connection, well-being and psychosocial outcomes among middle-aged and older adults in China: findings from a National Longitudinal Cohort Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The digital divide impacts health inequality, and access to digital technology is among the major social determinants of health. However, the impact of digital connectivity on the well-being and psychosocial outcomes has not been fully studied. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the associations between broadband Internet connection, well-being and psychosocial outcomes among middle-aged and older adults (≥45 years old) in China. METHODS A panel data study design of the national sample of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015, 2018 and 2020 was conducted, including 16,185 participants aged over 45 years. The associations between digital connectivity (broadband Internet connection), loneliness, social participation and life satisfaction were assessed using mixed-effects logistic regression models, adjusting for socioeconomic, behavioral factors, as well as locality. Broadband Internet connectivity, feeling of lonely, social participation, and satisfaction with life, were measured using the self-reported CHARLS questionnaire. RESULTS This study observed a substantial increase in digital connectivity from 29.5% in 2015 to 61.1% in 2020. Broadband Internet connection positively correlated with social participation (AOR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.28-1.41) and life satisfaction (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20-1.40). Conversely, the absence of broadband Internet connection was associated with increased loneliness (AOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77-0.86), after adjusting for confounding factors. These associations were consistent across various age, gender, socioeconomic groups, and geographic areas (P<.01). 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.