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Siddiq H, Teklehaimanot S, Guzman A. Social isolation, social media use, and poor mental health among older adults, California Health Interview Survey 2019-2020. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:969-977. [PMID: 37728756 PMCID: PMC11116239 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults' engagement on social media may be a resource to reduce loneliness and improve mental health. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine loneliness and social media use and its association with severe psychological distress among older adults and whether social media use moderated the association of loneliness on severe psychological distress among older adults. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of the 2019-2020 California Health Interview Survey. The Kessler 6-item Psychological Distress Scale (K6) assessed symptoms of psychological distress, with a K6 score ≥ 13 associated with severe mental illness. Loneliness was measured using a revised Three Item Loneliness Scale (TILS) score. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between loneliness and severe psychological distress. RESULTS Loneliness, health status, and identification as Asian, remained strong predictors of severe psychological distress among older adults when adjusting for other factors. In bivariate analysis, high-frequent social media users, but did not remain significant when accounting for covariates. Social media use did not moderate the association between loneliness and severe psychological distress. CONCLUSION This study underscores the significant impact of loneliness on poor mental health among older adults, emphasizing that while frequent social media use correlates with severe psychological distress, it may not alleviate the association of loneliness on poor mental health, thus highlighting the urgent need to address social isolation and promote genuine social connectedness, particularly among Asian older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafifa Siddiq
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, USA.
| | | | - Ariz Guzman
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, USA
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Lin XY, Lachman ME. Social Media Use and Daily Well-Being: The Role of Quantity and Quality of Social Support. Res Aging 2024; 46:287-301. [PMID: 38217507 PMCID: PMC11039377 DOI: 10.1177/01640275241227575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
There have been mixed findings on whether social media use is positively or negatively related to well-being. Using the Midlife in the United States Refresher study (N = 782, age 25-75), multilevel structural equation modeling examined social support quantity (time giving and receiving) and quality of as mediators at both the within- (intraindividual) and between-person (interindividual) levels. Giving support significantly mediated at within- and between-person levels: more social media use was associated with more time giving support and worse well-being. Receiving support significantly mediated at the between-person level: more social media use was associated with more time receiving support and worse well-being. When examining social support quality as a mediator, findings showed that more social media use to contact family/friends was related to better social support quality and better well-being. Results added to our understanding of the relationship between social media use and well-being by considering the role of social support quantity/quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yao Lin
- Department of Psychology, Brandeis University
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
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3
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Huijie Z, Haojun J, Zhiping Z, Zhaoyu Y. Association between residential environment and emotional wellbeing among older adults in China: the mediating effect of health lifestyle. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1338079. [PMID: 38699418 PMCID: PMC11063323 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1338079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The association between the residential environment and emotional wellbeing (EWB) in older adults has received extensive attention from gerontologists, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the mediating mechanism of how residential environment affects emotional wellbeing has not been fully explored. This study examined the effects of the residential environment on EWB and the mediating role of health lifestyle. Methods This study analyzed the survey data of 493 rural and 515 urban older adults from 2021 Chinese General Social Survey. General linear regression and structural equation models were used to examine the effects of residential environment and health lifestyle. Results Urban participants exhibited clear advantages in EWB, residential environment, and physical activity. Residential environment significantly affected the EWB of older adults, and health lifestyle played a mediating role in this relationship. The residential environment and health lifestyle did not significantly affect EWB in rural participants. Discussion This study revealed differences in the effects of health lifestyles and residential environments on EWB among older adults in rural and urban settings in China. This study provided empirical evidence of mental health disparities between older rural and urban Chinese residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Huijie
- College of Humanities and Social Development, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Social Research, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jin Shanbao Institute for Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiang Haojun
- Tourism and Social Management College, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Zhiping
- College of Humanities and Social Development, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Zhaoyu
- College of Humanities and Social Development, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Jin Shanbao Institute for Agricultural and Rural Development Research Institute, Nanjing, China
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Zhang K, Burr JA, Mutchler JE, Lu J. Pathways Linking Information and Communication Technology Use and Loneliness Among Older Adults: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad100. [PMID: 37480586 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study investigated the association between information and communication technology (ICT) use and loneliness among community-dwelling older adults (aged 65+), as well as the mediating effects of social relations, perceived control, and purpose-in-life. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The study used data from the 2014 and 2018 Health and Retirement Study (N = 3,026), employing autoregressive path models with contemporaneous mediation to assess the association of 2 kinds of ICT use, social media communication and general computer use, with loneliness through the pathways of perceived social support, social contact, perceived constraints, and purpose-in-life. RESULTS Social media communication had a negative association with loneliness. Perceived social support and social contact mediated this association, but not perceived constraints, or purpose-in-life. General computer use did not have a significant total effect on loneliness; however, a significant indirect effect through perceived constraints, purpose-in-life, and social contact was found. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings extended the existing literature regarding the important factors associated with variation in loneliness among older adults. Health programs and ICT solutions could be more effective in mitigating loneliness if they target the root causes of loneliness, including reducing perceptions of constraints and increasing a sense of purpose-in-life, along with strengthening social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Zhang
- Department of Gerontology, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jan E Mutchler
- Department of Gerontology, McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jiehua Lu
- Department of Sociology, Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Li Y, Wilke C, Shiyanov I, Muschalla B. Impact of Virtual Reality-Based Group Activities on Activity Level and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Nursing Homes: Longitudinal Exploratory Study. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e50796. [PMID: 38551635 PMCID: PMC11015370 DOI: 10.2196/50796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to illness, inactivity is a risk factor for high mortality in nursing homes. Using innovative technology, such as virtual reality (VR), for meaningful group activities could provide new opportunities for solving this problem. VR interventions have already been approved as a promising method for enhancing the health of older adults. OBJECTIVE In this study, we examined whether VR-based group activities can have a positive impact on activity level and group interaction among older adults living in nursing homes. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study and provided VR interventions as a group activity once a week for 4 consecutive weeks in nursing homes. Participants were recruited based on the experience of the nursing staff members and the natural decisions of the older adults. Within a virtual cottage, designed according to the needs of the target group, older adults were able to perform daily tasks that they were no longer able to do in real life, such as gardening and making pizza. Overall, 2 psychologists measured the psychosocial capacities, activities of daily life, and well-being before and after the interventions using standardized instruments. RESULTS The results focus on a total of 84 older adults from 14 nursing homes who completed at least 3 VR interventions. The results indicate that several psychosocial capacities among the older adults improved, including adherence to regulations (P<.001; η²=0.122), flexibility (P<.001; η²=0.109), and group integration (P<.001; η²=0.141). Problems related to competence also showed a slight decrease (P=.04; η²=0.039). In addition, the VR intervention promoted their proactivity (P<.001; η²=0.104) and mobility (P=.04; η²=0.039). During the VR group intervention, older adults' well-being could be maintained at a high level. The results highlight the beneficial effects of VR intervention as a meaningful activity in nursing homes, showcasing the potential of VR applications in this setting. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a novel and naturalistic perspective, offering new insights into the use of VR in nursing homes. The VR intervention was well accepted and fulfilled the aim of enhancing capacity and well-being. It could be a meaningful group activity in nursing homes to improve social group interaction. To provide stronger evidence, randomized controlled trials are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Li
- Department of Psychotherapy and Diagnostics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Psychology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carlotta Wilke
- Department of Psychotherapy and Diagnostics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Psychology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Beate Muschalla
- Department of Psychotherapy and Diagnostics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute of Psychology, Braunschweig, Germany
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Bhatiasevi V. The uses and gratifications of social media and their impact on social relationships and psychological well-being. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1260565. [PMID: 38501079 PMCID: PMC10944947 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1260565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to find the antecedents that lead to the adoption of social media among adults and older adults in Thailand and the impact it has on their social relationships and psychological well-being. It puts forward the uses and gratifications theory focusing on purposive value, self-discovery, entertainment value, social enhancement, and maintaining interpersonal connectivity. A survey comprising of 1,176 participants was undertaken in Bangkok, Thailand. The results of the structural equation modeling show that purposive value, entertainment value, social enhancement, and maintaining interpersonal connectivity had a positive relationship with social media usage, while self-discovery showed a negative relationship. Social media use seemed to positively affect both the social relationships and psychological well-being of their users. The discussions and conclusions included here describe how this occurs, as well as the academic and practical implications that follow from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veera Bhatiasevi
- Mahidol University International College, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Benge JF, Aguirre A, Scullin MK, Kiselica A, Hilsabeck RC, Paydarfar D, Thomaz E, Douglas M. Digital Methods for Performing Daily Tasks Among Older Adults: An Initial Report of Frequency of Use and Perceived Utility. Exp Aging Res 2024; 50:133-154. [PMID: 36739553 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2023.2172950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Digital technologies permit new ways of performing instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) for older adults, but these approaches are not usually considered in existing iADL measures. The current study investigated how a sample of older adults report using digital versus analog approaches for iADLs. METHOD 248 older adults completed the Digital and Analog Daily Activities Survey, a newly developed measure of how an individual performs financial, navigation, medication, and other iADLs. RESULTS The majority of participants reported regularly using digital methods for some iADLs, such as paying bills (67.7%) and using GPS (67.7%). Low digital adopters were older than high adopters (F(2, 245) = 12.24, p < .001), but otherwise the groups did not differ in terms of gender, years of education, or history of neurological disorders. Participants who used digital methods relatively more than analog methods reported greater levels of satisfaction with their approach and fewer daily errors. CONCLUSIONS Many older adults have adopted digital technologies for supporting daily tasks, which suggests limitations to the validity of current iADL assessments. By capitalizing on existing habits and enriching environments with new technologies, there are opportunities to promote technological reserve in older adults in a manner that sustains daily functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared F Benge
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa Aguirre
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Michael K Scullin
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Kiselica
- Department of Health Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Robin C Hilsabeck
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - David Paydarfar
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Edison Thomaz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Xu Y, Chen Q, Tian Y. The Impact of Problematic Social Media Use on Inhibitory Control and the Role of Fear of Missing Out: Evidence from Event-Related Potentials. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:117-128. [PMID: 38223309 PMCID: PMC10787569 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s441858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The general deficit in inhibitory control of problematic social media users has received widespread attention. However, the neural correlates of problematic social media use (PSMU) and inhibitory control remain unclear. Additionally, the co-occurrence of the fear of missing out (FoMO) with social media use is common, yet its role in the relationship between PSMU and inhibitory control has not been investigated. Methods This study aimed to examine the electrophysiological correlates of PSMU and inhibitory control using a modified two-choice oddball task combined with event-related potentials (ERPs), and to explore the role of FoMO in this relationship. A total of 66 participants with varying degrees of PSMU were included in the analysis based on the Problematic Mobile Social Media Usage Questionnaire. Results The study found that PSMU could impact inhibitory control. Specifically, as the PSMU score increases, the N2 amplitude is greater for social media-related pictures, and the P3 amplitude is smaller, while no significant differences are observed for neutral pictures. This suggests that PSMU affects inhibitory control by consuming more cognitive resources in the early conflict detection stage and leading to insufficient cognitive resources in the later stages of the inhibitory process. Furthermore, FoMO played a mediating role between PSMU and inhibitory control. PSMU could further impact inhibitory control through FoMO. Conclusion This study provides electrophysiological evidence for deficits in inhibitory control in PSMU and suggests that FoMO may further reduce inhibitory control in PSMU individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinglin Chen
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, People’s Republic of China
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Psychology and Behavior of Discipline lnspection and Supervision (Sichuan Normal University), Chengdu, 610066, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Tian
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, People’s Republic of China
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Perez-Heydrich C, Walker C, Pile M, Agrawal Y. Comparison of digital recruitment strategies for Alzheimer's disease patients. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241229164. [PMID: 38282922 PMCID: PMC10822072 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241229164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Clinical trials studying Alzheimer's Disease (AD) face the challenge of recruiting participants with significant barriers to entering research studies. The objective of this study is to compare digital recruitment strategies' ability to recruit older adults with cognitive impairment (CI). Methods Older adults with CI were recruited for a clinical trial studying vestibular therapy in reducing falls and improving balance and cognition in older adults with CI. Potential participants were recruited via two different digital recruitment methods, a direct messaging campaign using established patient records and a social media campaign. Potential participants then filled out surveys to determine eligibility for the study. Results The direct messaging campaign contacted 3060 potential participants and the social media campaign resulted in 8265 instances of unique engagement. Of the number of people reached, the direct messaging campaign had a higher percentage of people who submitted the survey compared to the social media campaign (8.3% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in age, race, ethnicity, education, household income, and insurance status between the recruitment groups (p > 0.05). Direct messaging recruitment proved more cost-effective at $21.74 per eligible participant compared to the social media campaign at $859.58 per eligible participant. Conclusion This study found that direct messaging recruitment using established patient records was more cost-effective compared to social media recruitment for this clinical trial. In this sample size, similar demographics were reached by both recruitment methods. Future studies should continue to explore the use of social media and alternative methods to recruit representative participant populations for ongoing AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Perez-Heydrich
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Courtney Walker
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Macie Pile
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yuri Agrawal
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Luk JW, Geda DW, Stangl BL, Cheng C, Schwandt ML, Goldman D, Diazgranados N, Ramchandani VA. Social media addiction as a mediator of the associations between fear of COVID-19, mental health symptoms, and problematic alcohol use. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1268890. [PMID: 38034930 PMCID: PMC10682110 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1268890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fear of COVID-19 is a risk factor for anxiety and depressive symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, drinking to cope with psychological distress has been proposed as a key mechanism leading to problematic drinking. The goal of this study was to test social media addiction as a mediator linking fear of COVID-19 to mental health symptoms and problematic alcohol use. Methods In between April 6 and July 2 of 2022, 250 participants completed an online survey as part of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Alcohol Study. Path analyses were conducted to test the mediational pathways. Results Using the polythetic classification scheme, 13.2% (n = 33) of participants were classified as having social media addiction. Compared with participants without social media addiction, participants with social media addiction spent significantly more time on social media platforms and on digital communications with a family member or friend. They also reported greater fear of COVID-19, higher anxiety symptoms, and higher depressive symptoms. Path analyses indicated that social media addiction mediated the associations of fear of COVID-19 with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, there were indirect pathways linking fear of COVID-19 to problematic alcohol use through higher social media addiction and higher anxiety and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Social media addiction may be a maladaptive coping mechanism that individuals with high fear of COVID-19 utilized to deal with uncertainty and perceived risks during the pandemic. Findings underscore the need to examine cognitions related to fear of COVID-19 and address excessive social media use in the context of mental health and alcohol interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy W. Luk
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Daniel W. Geda
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bethany L. Stangl
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cecilia Cheng
- Social and Health Psychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Melanie L. Schwandt
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David Goldman
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Nancy Diazgranados
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vijay A. Ramchandani
- Human Psychopharmacology Laboratory, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Tsaltskan V, Sanchez Baez R, Firestein GS. Cost-effectiveness of social media advertising as a recruitment tool: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e180. [PMID: 37745929 PMCID: PMC10514690 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recruitment of study participants is challenging and can incur significant costs. Social media advertising is a promising method for recruiting clinical studies and may improve cost efficiency by targeting populations likely to match a study's qualifications. Prior systematic reviews of social media as a recruitment tool have been favourable, however, there are no meta-analyses of its cost-effectiveness. Methods Studies evaluating recruitment costs through social media and non-social media methods were identified on MEDLINE and EMBASE. Articles were screened through a two-step process in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Cost data were extracted from selected articles and meta-analyzed using the Mantel-Haenszel method. The primary outcome was the relative cost-effectiveness of social media compared to non-social media recruitment, defined as the odds ratio of recruiting a participant per US dollar spent. The secondary outcome was the cost-effectiveness of social media recruitment compared to other online recruitment methods only. Results In total, 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media advertising compared to non-social media methods per dollar spent was 1.97 [95% CI 1.24-3.00, P = 0.004]. The odds ratio of recruiting a participant through social media compared to other online methods only was 1.66 [95% CI 1.02-2.72, P = 0.04]. Conclusions Social media advertising may be more cost-effective than other methods of recruitment, however, the magnitude of cost-effectiveness is highly variable between studies. There are limited data on newer social media platforms and on difficult-to-reach populations such as non-English speakers or older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav Tsaltskan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Roel Sanchez Baez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gary S. Firestein
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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12
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Ng R, Indran N. Videos about older adults on TikTok. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285987. [PMID: 37531317 PMCID: PMC10395947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides being one of the fastest growing platforms since entering the social media fray in 2016, TikTok is notably monopolized by teenagers, which makes it a veritable source of information not to be overlooked by gerontologists. Currently, most studies regarding age stereotypes on social media have examined content on Twitter and Facebook. Our study explores how older adults are portrayed on TikTok and the factors associated with these portrayals. We analyzed 673 videos with the hashtags #Boomer and/or #OkBoomer that received over 5.4 billion views and categorized them into nine topics. Five of these topics (e.g., 'Warmth/Coldness') were extracted from previous studies on age stereotypes. The remaining four topics were unique to our dataset (e.g., 'Wealth Gap'). The outcome variable was 'Negative Age Stereotypes' which was rated on a binary scale. One in two videos about older adults featured negative content. As hypothesized, videos containing negative age stereotypes were more likely to be about the 'Values and Beliefs of Older Adults' (7 times), 'Negative Encounters with Older Adults' (8 times) or 'Older Adults Antagonizing the Young' (13 times). Conversely, videos which portrayed older adults as 'Warm' were 43% less likely to contain negative stereotypes. As the phenomenon of an aging population fast unfolds, it is imperative that society relinquishes its tendency to stereotype individuals on the grounds of age. By examining the possible mechanisms driving negative stereotypes of older adults on TikTok, our study provides the basis upon which such stereotypes can be counteracted. In doing so, it paves the way both to improve the well-being of older persons and to foster intergenerational solidarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuben Ng
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Lloyd's Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole Indran
- Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Fung KK, Hung SSL, Lai DWL, Shum MHY, Fung HW, He L. Access to Information and Communication Technology, Digital Skills, and Perceived Well-Being among Older Adults in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6208. [PMID: 37444058 PMCID: PMC10340767 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Population aging is a major concern worldwide. Active aging should be promoted by increasing the social participation of older adults and enabling them to remain involved in the community. Research has demonstrated the utility of digital resources for addressing the needs of older adults, which include networking, entertaining, and seeking health-related information. However, the digital divide among older adults (i.e., the "gray digital divide") is increasingly being recognized as a social problem that may be related to poor well-being. To obtain updated local data on the prevalence of Internet access and usage and their relationship with perceived well-being, we conducted telephone interviews with a random sample of 1018 older adults in Hong Kong from January to July 2021 (This research has received funding support from the Interdisciplinary Research Matching Scheme, Hong Kong Baptist University). We found that only 76.5% of the participants had Internet access at home, a mobile phone data plan, or both, whereas 36.3% had never used Internet services and 18.2% had no digital devices. A younger age, male gender, higher education level, living with others, and higher self-perceived social class were associated with material access to digital devices and everyday use of Internet services. Participants who accessed the Internet every day had higher levels of life satisfaction and self-rated physical and mental health than those who rarely or never used the Internet. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that digital skills were significantly associated with self-rated mental health even when controlling for demographic variables (including age, gender, education level, and self-perceived social class). This study contributes to the limited body of literature on the relationship between Internet use, digital skills, and perceived well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide even in cities with high penetration of information and communication technology, such as Hong Kong. We also discuss our insights into the use of timely interventions for older adults to address the gray digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok-kin Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Shirley Suet-lin Hung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Daniel W. L. Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michelle H. Y. Shum
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Hong-wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Langjie He
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
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14
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Cotten SR, Ghaiumy Anaraky R, Schuster AM. Social Media Use May Not Be As Bad As Some Suggest: Implication for Older Adults. Innov Aging 2023; 7:igad022. [PMID: 37179658 PMCID: PMC10168587 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Social media use (SMU) has increased over the past decade among older adults. Cross-sectional studies report SMU is related to negative mental health outcomes (i.e., depression). Given depression is the most common mental health issue for older adults and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality, determining longitudinally whether SMU is related to increased depression is critical. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between SMU and depression. Research Design and Methods Data from 6 waves (2015-20) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) were analyzed. Participants included a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults, aged 65 years and older (N = 7,057). We used a Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Modeling (RI-CLPM) framework to examine the relationship between primary outcomes of SMU and depression symptoms. Results No pattern was found of SMU predicting depression symptoms, or depression symptoms predicting SMU. The major driver of SMU in each wave was SMU in the previous wave. On average, our model accounted for 3.03% of the variance in SMU. The major predictor of depression in each wave was the pre-existing depression. Our model accounted for an average of 22.81% of the variance in depressive symptoms. Discussion and Implications The results suggest that SMU and depressive symptoms are driven by the previous patterns of SMU and depression, respectively. We did not find any patterns of SMU and depression influencing each other. NHATS measures SMU with a binary instrument. Future longitudinal research should employ measures that account for SMU duration, type, and purpose. These findings suggest that SMU may not be related to negative health outcomes, in this case, depression, for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelia R Cotten
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Communication, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Reza Ghaiumy Anaraky
- Department of Technology Management and Innovation, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Amy M Schuster
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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15
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Shi JG, Liu M, Fu G, Dai X. Internet use among older adults: Determinants of usage and impacts on individuals’ well-being. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Hanna AMR. Solving the Obesity Crisis in Older Adults with the Mediterranean Diet: Policy Brief. J Nutr Health Aging 2023; 27:966-971. [PMID: 37997717 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-023-1995-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease classified by excessive accumulation of fat which may impair health. The prevalence of obesity is increasing in most nations worldwide, both developed and developing. At the same time, the aging population is also growing worldwide. In the United States, approximately 38% of adults 60+ years old are obese, with similar trends in Canada and the United Kingdom. Obesity is associated with increased risk of death (mortality) and disease (morbidity) and carries specific risks for older adults, such disability and frailty. It also presents a financial burden. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is an extensively studied healthy diet pattern which can be used to combat obesity in older populations. Specifically for older adults, the MedDiet has benefits over other common diets or weight-loss interventions. This policy brief provides suggestions specifically for the Canadian population, though they are general enough to be applied to other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M R Hanna
- Andrew M. R. Hanna, Aging and Health Program, Department of Rehabilitation Science, Queen's University, Louise D. Acton Building, 31 George St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Institution Main Phone: 613-533-6000, Author Institutional
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17
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Tan TH, Idris I. Assessing the significance of first place and online third places in supporting Malaysian seniors' well-being during the pandemic. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 10:149. [PMID: 37041889 PMCID: PMC10080517 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-01655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The enforced lockdowns and social distancing measures associated with COVID-19 may have influenced older adults' preferences towards their homes and neighborhoods as well as social spaces. One objective of this research is to determine whether home and neighborhood environments ("first place") affect how satisfied older adults are with their lives during the epidemic. This study also examined the extent to which social spaces that exist in the virtual world ("online third places") affect older adults' life satisfaction when they would have to practice risk-averse behaviors in times of pandemic. To collect data, this study analyzed the responses of 500 active older adults and conducted in-depth interviews with seven older adults who served as neighborhood leaders in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The study found that there is a direct relationship between older adults' satisfaction with their current housing and their overall life satisfaction during the pandemic. Similarly, having a quality neighborhood nearby increases the likelihood of living a satisfied life during the pandemic. Most online third parties, with the exception of instant messaging apps, do not appear to provide older adults with an adequate platform to interact with their friends, participate in social networking, and join communities for emotional support during the pandemic. The findings and recommendations of this study would be very useful in developing effective interventions to promote aging in place during the coronavirus outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teck Hong Tan
- Xiamen University Malaysia, School of Economics and Management, Bandar Sansuria, Malaysia
| | - Izian Idris
- Sunway University, Sunway Business School, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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18
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Wright PJ, Raynor PA, Bowers D, Combs EM, Corbett CF, Hardy H, Patel K. Leveraging digital technology for social connectedness among adults with chronic conditions: A systematic review. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231204746. [PMID: 37799504 PMCID: PMC10548813 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231204746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To review the evidence about the impact of digital technology on social connectedness among adults with one or more chronic health conditions. Methods PubMed, Embase, Social Sciences, CINAHL, and Compendex were systematically searched for full-text, peer-reviewed empirical evidence published between 2012 and 2023 and reported using the PRISMA flow diagram. Articles were critically appraised applying the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Specific data were extracted based on the framework for social identity and technology approaches for health outcomes and then analyzed and synthesized. Results Thirty-four studies met study criteria. Evidence showed heterogeneity among research methodology, chronic health conditions, digital technology, and health outcomes. Technology use was influenced by factors such as usability, anonymity, availability, and control. More advanced digital technologies require higher digital literacy and improved accessibility features/modifications. Social support was the most measured aspect of social connectedness. The emotional and informational forms of social support were most reported; instrumental support was the least likely to be delivered. Self-efficacy for using technology was considered in seven articles. Sixteen articles reported health outcomes: 31.2% (n = 5) described mental health outcomes only, 18.8% (n = 3) reported physical health outcomes only, 31.2% (n = 5) detailed both physical and mental health outcomes, whereas 18.8% (n = 3) denoted well-being or quality-of-life outcomes. Most often, health outcomes were positive, with negative outcomes for selected groups also noted. Conclusion Leveraging digital technology to promote social connectedness has the potential to affect positive health outcomes. Further research is needed to better understand the social integration of technology among populations with different contexts and chronic health conditions to enhance and tailor digital interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Wright
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Phyllis A Raynor
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Dana Bowers
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Combs
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cynthia F Corbett
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hannah Hardy
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Khushi Patel
- Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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19
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Goadsby P, Ruiz de la Torre E, Constantin L, Amand C. Social Media Listening and Digital Profiling Study of People with Headache and Migraine: A Retrospective Infodemiology Study (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e40461. [PMID: 37145844 DOI: 10.2196/40461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an unmet need for a better understanding and management of headache, particularly migraine, beyond specialist centers, which may be facilitated using digital technology. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify where, when, and how people with headache and migraine describe their symptoms and the nonpharmaceutical and medicinal treatments used as indicated on social media. METHODS Social media sources, including Twitter, web-based forums, blogs, YouTube, and review sites, were searched using a predefined search string related to headache and migraine. The real-time data from social media posts were collected retrospectively for a 1-year period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018 (Japan), or a 2-year period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018 (Germany and France). The data were analyzed after collection, using content analysis and audience profiling. RESULTS A total of 3,509,828 social media posts related to headache and migraine were obtained from Japan in 1 year and 146,257 and 306,787 posts from Germany and France, respectively, in 2 years. Among social media sites, Twitter was the most used platform across these countries. Japanese sufferers used specific terminology, such as "tension headaches" or "cluster headaches" (36%), whereas French sufferers even mentioned specific migraine types, such as ocular (7%) and aura (2%). The most detailed posts on headache or migraine were from Germany. The French sufferers explicitly mentioned "headache or migraine attacks" in the "evening (41%) or morning (38%)," whereas Japanese mentioned "morning (48%) or night (27%)" and German sufferers mentioned "evening (22%) or night (41%)." The use of "generic terms" such as medicine, tablet, and pill were prevalent. The most discussed drugs were ibuprofen and naproxen combination (43%) in Japan; ibuprofen (29%) in Germany; and acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, and caffeine combination (75%) in France. The top 3 nonpharmaceutical treatments are hydration, caffeinated beverages, and relaxation methods. Of the sufferers, 44% were between 18 and 24 years of age. CONCLUSIONS In this digital era, social media listening studies present an opportunity to provide unguided, self-reported, sufferers' perceptions in the real world. The generation of social media evidence requires appropriate methodology to translate data into scientific information and relevant medical insights. This social media listening study showed country-specific differences in headache and migraine symptoms experienced and in the times of the day and treatments used. Furthermore, this study highlighted the prevalence of social media usage by younger sufferers compared to that by older sufferers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Goadsby
- NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Advancing Our Understanding of the Associations Between Social Media Use and Well-Being. Curr Opin Psychol 2022; 47:101357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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