Association between WeChat use and mental health among middle-aged and older adults: a secondary data analysis of the 2020 China Family Panel Studies database

The Association Between Posting WeChat Moments and the Risk of Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults: Prospective National Cohort Study

Background

The association between social media usage and the risk of depressive symptoms has attracted increasing attention. WeChat is a popular social media software in China. The impact of using WeChat and posting WeChat moments on the risk of developing depressive symptoms among community-based middle-aged and older adults in China is unknown.

Objective

The objective was to assess the association between using WeChat and posting WeChat moments and the risk of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China.

Methods

A prospective national cohort study was designed based on the data obtained from the fourth and fifth waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The strength of association between using WeChat and posting WeChat moments and the risk of depressive symptoms was estimated by modified Poisson regressions. Depressive symptoms were determined using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Meanwhile, the heterogeneity of the associations was explored through multiple subgroup analyses. Moreover, multiple sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the associations between the exposures and depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 9670 eligible participants were included in the cohort study, and the incidence rate of depressive symptoms was 19.08% (1845/9670, 95% CI 19.07%-19.09%) from the fourth to fifth waves of the CHARLS. Using WeChat (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.691, 95% CI 0.582-0.520) and posting WeChat moments (aRR 0.673, 95% CI 0.552-0.821) reduced the risk of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. The association between the exposures and depressive symptoms was robust, proved through multiple sensitivity analyses (all P<.05). However, the associations were heterogeneous in certain subgroup catagories, such as solitude, duration of sleep at night, nap after lunch, physical activity, and having multiple chronic conditions.

Conclusions

Using WeChat and especially posting WeChat moments can mitigate the risk of depressive symptoms among community-based middle-aged and older Chinese adults. However, there is likely a need for a longer follow-up period to explore the impact of the exposures on the risk of long-term depressive outcomes.

Did internet usage reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults? A difference-in-differences study based on CFPS data

Introduction

Mental health is the cornerstone of public health, especially where middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic were concerned. The impact of Internet usage on mental health in the time of the crisis still presents a mixed picture.

Methods

This study employs the PSM-DID method according to longitudinal data (CFPS) to explore whether Internet usage reduced the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of middle-aged and older adults.

Results

The results reveal that Internet use improves the mental health of middle-aged and older adults during the pandemic in China, but that the impact varies between urban and rural residents. Furthermore, the moderator effects model shows that people's perceptions of the Internet have an impact upon the length of time spent online and its consequent effect on mental health.

Discussion

These findings suggested that Internet use had a significant effect on alleviating the levels of depression in middle-aged and older adults. Greater marginal gains may be realized by enhancing the digital capacity of and narrowing the digital divide that exists among rural residents. The enhancement of digital capacity and proper guidance in digital education should be taken into consideration where the mental health of middle-aged and older adults is at issue.

Medical service satisfaction and depression among middle-aged and older Chinese adults: moderating role of distinct Internet-using patterns

BACKGROUND

Patient satisfaction is a powerful predictor of an individual's mental health, according to previous research. However, there has not been a thorough study on the relationship between depression and overall medical service satisfaction (OMSS) in middle-aged and older adults. Moreover, little is known about how different Internet-using patterns affect this relationship.

METHODS

We selected 4,523 participants from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2020 dataset who were aged 45 and older. The relationship between OMSS and depression was examined using logistic regression analysis, distinct Internet-using patterns were investigated using latent class analysis, and the moderating effects of these patterns were examined using SPSS PROCESS macro analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed OMSS was negatively related to depression in middle-aged and older adults (β = -0.181, p < 0.001). For skilled Internet users, there was a significant positive moderating effect (β = -0.272, SE = 0.096, p < 0.01), for unskilled users, there was a significant negative moderating effect (β = 0.497, SE = 0.156, p < 0.01). Yet, there is no moderating effect of a controlled Internet-using pattern on the correlation between OMSS and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potential value of improving medical service satisfaction in reducing depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, in order to maximize the benefits of healthcare for mental health, the study suggests that Internet-using patterns could be a significant area for intervention.

Evaluation of healthcare-related factors influencing mental health of Taiwanese citizens among different age groups

The issue of mental health has gained heightened recognition as a significant public health concern due to its potential to significantly impact various aspects of individuals' lives. Numerous factors may influence mental health, and this study seeks to investigate and compare potential healthcare-related factors that affect the mental health of Taiwanese individuals across different age groups. Data for this study were taken from the Taiwan Social Change Survey (TSCS), conducted in 2021. Descriptive statistics were calculated to compare the three age groups. Then, multiple regression models were constructed with mental health conditions as the dependent variable and demographics and other key healthcare-related components as independent variables, respectively. Results showed that, among the three age groups, the middle-aged adults had the highest BMI, and the older adults had significantly better mental health. As compared with the other age groups, the older adults had significantly better perceptions of fair distribution of healthcare resources, and their trust in the healthcare system was the highest. With regard to searching for online healthcare information, the frequency reported by the older adults was the lowest. The regression model showed that, religious belief, trust in the healthcare system and searching for online healthcare information were significantly associated with mental health of middle-aged adults. In the younger group, searching for online healthcare information was significantly negatively associated with mental health. The study's findings provide insight into how to provide Taiwanese citizens of different age groups with proper and targeted mental health promotion activities.

A study on Internet use and subjective well-being among Chinese older adults: based on CGSS (2012-2018) five-wave mixed interface survey data

Objective

This study is designed to investigate the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being of the older adults in China, and to analyze the mediating role of subjective social fairness in the above relationship.

Methods

Based on the five-wave mixed interface survey data of China General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018, we select a total of 18,458 older adults aged 60 and above, and comprehensively used ordered probit regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) mediating effect test methods.

Results

The analysis results show that (1) Internet use is significantly positively correlated with the subjective well-being of the older adults, and the higher the frequency of use, the stronger the subjective well-being. (2) Place of residence, education, and regional factors moderated the effect of Internet use on subjective well-being. The subjective well-being effect of Internet use is significant among male older adults, as well as on urban, educated, or eastern older adults. (3) Subjective social fairness plays a negative mediating role in the relationship between Internet use and subjective well-being of older adults.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that Internet use contributes to the improvement of subjective well-being in older adults, but attenuates this effect by reducing the subjective social fairness. Future research should further consider other factors such as the purpose, specific function, intensity of Internet use, etc., to gain a deeper understanding of how the Internet can help promote well-being.

Navigating the Journey of Living with Young-Onset Dementia: Experiences of Spousal Caregivers

Background

Young-onset dementia (YOD) refers to dementia occurring before the age of 65, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form, posing distinct challenges for spousal caregivers.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the unique experiences of spousal caregivers of persons with YOD in China, where dementia-specific community care services and primary healthcare professionals are relatively lacking, in order to inform the tailored support services development.

Methods

This qualitative-design study utilized semi-structured interviews with 11 spousal caregivers of persons with YOD dwelling in the community. Traditional content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data.

Results

Limited dementia-specific healthcare professionals and low public awareness made diagnosing and accepting YOD a prolonged and challenging journey. Spousal caregivers faced skepticism when seeking diagnosis, exacerbating their burden and emotional stress. Disparities in healthcare professionals and insufficient collaboration between institutions worsened the situation. YOD significantly impacted family dynamics and led to changes in emotional communication within the family. The stigma surrounding YOD raised concerns among spousal caregivers about their children's future in marriage and career, emphasizing genetic risks.

Conclusions

In settings where dementia-specific community care services and primary healthcare professionals are limited and unevenly distributed, integrating support services at both the primary and community levels is crucial for families dealing with YOD in the community. Additionally, raising public awareness about YOD can foster a more understanding and supportive environment, addressing challenges related to stigma faced by affected families, contributing to increased investment in supporting resources, and encouraging individuals to seek help early on.