1
|
Wang Y, Chen H. Effects of mobile Internet use on the health of middle-aged and older adults: evidences from China health and retirement longitudinal study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1490. [PMID: 38834959 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18916-w] [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] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of digital technology has radically changed people's lives. Simultaneously, as the population is rapidly aging, academic research is focusing on the use of Internet technology to improve middle-aged and older people's health, particularly owing to the popularity of mobile networks, which has further increased the population's accessibility to the Internet. However, related studies have not yet reached a consensus. Herein, empirical analysis of the influence of mobile Internet use on the subjective health and chronic disease status of individuals in their Middle Ages and above was conducted utilizing ordered logit, propensity score matching (PSM), and ordered probit models with data from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The study aimed to provide a theoretical basis and reference for exploring technological advances to empower the development of a healthy Chinese population and to advance the process of healthy aging. The health of middle-aged and older adults mobile Internet users was greatly improved, according to our findings. Further, the use of mobile Internet by these persons resulted in improvements to both their self-assessed health and the state of their chronic diseases. As per the findings of the heterogeneity analysis, the impact of mobile Internet use was shown to be more pronounced on the well-being of middle-aged persons aged 45-60 years compared to those aged ≥ 60 years. Further, the endogeneity test revealed that the PSM model could better eliminate bias in sample selection. The results suggest that the estimates are more robust after eliminating endogeneity, and that failure to disentangle sample selectivity bias would overestimate not only the facilitating effect of mobile Internet use on the self-assessed health impacts of middle-aged and older adults, but also the ameliorating effect of mobile Internet use on the chronic diseases of middle-aged and older adults. The results of the mechanistic analysis suggest that social engagement is an important mediating mechanism between mobile Internet use and the health of middle-aged and older adults. This implies that mobile Internet use increases opportunities for social participation among middle-aged and older adults, thereby improving their health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Humanities and Management, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Hong Chen
- School of Administration and Law, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Brand T, Herrera-Espejel P, Muellmann S, Wiersing R, Busse H. [Social inequality in the context of digital health applications: digital divides in access, use, effectiveness, and privacy]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:268-276. [PMID: 38289381 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-024-03832-6] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Given the massive increase in digital health tools, the question about the impact of these tools on health equity has gained importance. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss the extent and central aspects of the digital divide. To illustrate the extent of the digital divide, we draw on data from the Liter@te study, which interviewed low-literacy individuals regarding their use of digital health tools and their digital health literacy. The results of the Liter@te study are compared with population surveys conducted in parallel. Four areas can be distinguished in relation to digital divides: access, use, effectiveness, and privacy. Inequalities can be observed in all four areas. While differences in access or material infrastructure, as well as in usage patterns and the required literacies, have already been investigated in some studies, the data basis for a comprehensive assessment of the unequal effects of digital health tools in different population groups is still lacking. Digital divides in the area of privacy protection is an emerging field. However, transparent and understandable privacy measures will undoubtedly be an important prerequisite for the widespread use of digital health tools. Overall, in addition to a better data base, involvement of disadvantaged population groups in the development of digital health interventions is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Brand
- Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland.
- Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland.
| | - Paula Herrera-Espejel
- Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland
- Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Saskia Muellmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland
- Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Rebekka Wiersing
- Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland
| | - Heide Busse
- Leibniz-Institut für Präventionsforschung und Epidemiologie - BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359, Bremen, Deutschland
- Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin Y, Ren C, Liao M, Kang D, Li C, Jiao K, Wang L, Yan Y, Li Y, Wu T, Cheng C, Zhao Z, Xu Z, Tang W, Tucker JD, Ma W. Digital, Crowdsourced, Multilevel Intervention to Promote HIV Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46890. [PMID: 37902831 PMCID: PMC10644183 DOI: 10.2196/46890] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite great efforts in HIV prevention worldwide, HIV testing uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains suboptimal. The effectiveness of digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions in improving HIV testing is still unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention in improving HIV testing uptake among MSM in China. METHODS We conducted a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial among MSM in 11 cities in Shandong province, China, from August 2019 to April 2020. Participants were men who were HIV seronegative or had unknown serum status, had anal sex with a man in the past 12 months, and had not been tested for HIV in the past 3 months. Participants were recruited through a gay dating app and community-based organizations from preselected cities; these cities were matched into 5 blocks (2 clusters per block) and further randomly assigned (1:1) to receive a digital, crowdsourced, multilevel intervention (intervention arm) or routine intervention (control arm). The digital multilevel intervention was developed through crowdsourced open calls tailored for MSM, consisting of digital intervention images and videos, the strategy of providing HIV self-testing services through digital tools, and peer-moderated discussion within WeChat groups. The primary outcome was self-reported HIV testing uptake in the previous 3 months. An intention-to-treat approach was used to examine the cluster-level effect of the intervention in the 12-month study period using generalized linear mixed models and the individual-level effect using linear mixed models. RESULTS A total of 935 MSM were enrolled (404 intervention participants and 531 controls); 751 participants (80.3%) completed at least one follow-up survey. Most participants were younger than 30 years (n=601, 64.3%), single (n=681, 72.8%), had a college degree or higher (n=629, 67.3%), and had an HIV testing history (n=785, 84%). Overall, the proportion of testing for HIV in the past 3 months at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups was higher in the intervention arm (139/279, 49.8%; 148/266, 55.6%; 189/263, 71.9%; and 171/266, 64.3%, respectively) than the control arm (183/418, 43.8%; 178/408, 43.6%; 206/403, 51.1%; and 182/397, 48.4%, respectively), with statistically significant differences at the 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-ups. At the cluster level, the proportion of participants who had tested for HIV increased 11.62% (95% CI 0.74%-22.5%; P=.04) with the intervention. At the individual level, participants in the intervention arm had 69% higher odds for testing for HIV in the past 3 months compared with control participants, but the result was not statistically significant (risk ratio 1.69, 95% CI 0.87-3.27; P=.11). CONCLUSIONS The intervention effectively improved HIV testing uptake among Chinese MSM. Our findings highlight that digital, crowdsourced, multilevel interventions should be made more widely available for HIV prevention and other public health issues. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900024350; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=36718. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-020-04860-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ci Ren
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Meizhen Liao
- Institution for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Dianmin Kang
- Institution for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanxi Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kedi Jiao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yijun Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Taoyu Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxiao Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zece Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Erku D, Khatri R, Endalamaw A, Wolka E, Nigatu F, Zewdie A, Assefa Y. Digital Health Interventions to Improve Access to and Quality of Primary Health Care Services: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6854. [PMID: 37835125 PMCID: PMC10572344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Global digital technology advances offer the potential to enhance primary health care (PHC) quality, reach, and efficiency, driving toward universal health coverage (UHC). This scoping review explored how digital health solutions aid PHC delivery and UHC realization by examining the context, mechanisms, and outcomes of eHealth interventions. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, capturing qualitative and quantitative studies, process evaluations, and systematic or scoping reviews. Our analysis of 65 articles revealed that a well-functioning digital ecosystem-featuring adaptable, interoperable digital tools, robust Information and Communications Technology foundations, and enabling environments-is pivotal for eHealth interventions' success. Facilities with better digital literacy, motivated staff, and adequate funding demonstrated a higher adoption of eHealth technologies, leading to improved, coordinated service delivery and higher patient satisfaction. However, eHealth's potential is often restricted by existing socio-cultural norms, geographical inequities in technology access, and digital literacy disparities. Our review underscores the importance of considering the digital ecosystem's readiness, user behavior, broader health system requirements, and PHC capacity for adopting digital solutions while assessing digital health interventions' impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Erku
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.K.); (A.E.); (Y.A.)
| | - Resham Khatri
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.K.); (A.E.); (Y.A.)
| | - Aklilu Endalamaw
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.K.); (A.E.); (Y.A.)
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Eskinder Wolka
- International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (E.W.); (F.N.); (A.Z.)
| | - Frehiwot Nigatu
- International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (E.W.); (F.N.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anteneh Zewdie
- International Institute for Primary Health Care in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; (E.W.); (F.N.); (A.Z.)
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (R.K.); (A.E.); (Y.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alsaqqa HH, Alwawi A. Digital intervention for public health: searching for implementing characteristics, concepts and recommendations: scoping review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1142443. [PMID: 37790710 PMCID: PMC10544338 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1142443] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying the impact of digital interventions on public health can help ensure that the offered services produce the desired results. In order to address these factors, the subsequent study uses a scope review to evaluate the state of the field while concentrating on ideas and suggestions that represent factors that have been crucial in the management of digital intervention for public health. To shed light on the traits, ideas and suggestions related to public health digital intervention, a scoping review was carried out. Five electronic databases were used to locate pertinent research that were published before February 2022. All texts were examined, and study abstracts were scrutinized to determine their eligibility. The last analysis of this study included fifteen publications; five reviews, four qualitative studies, two quantitative studies, one viewpoint study, one mixed-method study, one perspective study, and one interventional study. The key ideas for digital interventions in population management and health studies are presented in this overview. Many concepts, implementation characteristics and recommendations have been raised which highlight the future role of these interventions to enhance public engagement and health equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hatem H. Alsaqqa
- Deanship of Scientific Research, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
- Ministry of Health, Gaza Strip, Palestine
| | - Abdallah Alwawi
- Anesthesia and Resuscitation Technology, Health Professions Faculty, Al Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Eysenbach G, Augustyn M, Gross SM, Vernon P, Caulfield LE, Paige DM. Engagement With and Acceptability of Digital Media Platforms for Use in Improving Health Behaviors Among Vulnerable Families: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40934. [PMID: 36735286 PMCID: PMC9938444 DOI: 10.2196/40934] [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: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of digital communication platforms to improve health behaviors has increased dramatically over the last decade. Public health practitioners have adopted digital communication technologies such as text messages, mobile apps, and social media to reach diverse populations. However, the effectiveness of digital communication platforms used by community-serving agencies remains unclear, and patterns of engagement and acceptability of different platforms have not been studied. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify the types of digital communication strategies used by community-serving organizations to promote healthy behaviors, assess the strength of evidence for health behavioral change, and describe the degree of consumer engagement with and acceptability of these strategies. The study population included low-income pregnant women, parents of young children, and adolescents. METHODS A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and APA PsycInfo, covering research conducted from 2009 to 2022. Studies were included if they examined the use of digital communication (ie, texting, mobile apps, or social media) to promote healthy behaviors in the target population. Risk of bias and strength of evidence were assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Risk of Bias tool and criteria from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-three peer-reviewed research studies published between 2012 and 2022, conducted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, were included in the review. The sample comprised studies exploring the use of texting (n=12), apps (n=6), social media (n=3), and multiple platforms (n=2; eg, texting and mobile apps). Targeted health behaviors included healthy diet, physical activity, obesity prevention, healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, vaccine use, smoking cessation, and nutrition benefit redemption. The sample included 8 randomized controlled trials, 6 pretest-posttest design, 3 mixed methods studies, 2 pilot studies, 1 feasibility study, 1 prospective cohort study, 1 descriptive study, and 1 cross-sectional study. The median sample size was 77.5. There was no strong evidence to suggest the effectiveness of digital media campaigns in improving health behaviors; however, there were moderate to high levels of engagement and high levels of acceptability across digital platforms. CONCLUSIONS Low-income pregnant women, parents of young children, and adolescents demonstrated moderate levels of engagement with and high levels of acceptability of digital media health campaigns conducted by community-serving agencies. The effectiveness of these strategies in improving health behaviors was inconclusive. Additional rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are required. In addition, more research is required to consistently measure and report participants' engagement with each platform. Digital communication platforms are critical tools for public health practitioners, and future investigations of the effectiveness of these platforms in engaging clients and improving health behaviors will maximize client services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marycatherine Augustyn
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Susan M Gross
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Paris Vernon
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Laura E Caulfield
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David M Paige
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
A randomized controlled trial enhancing viral hepatitis testing in primary care via digital crowdsourced intervention. NPJ Digit Med 2022; 5:95. [PMID: 35853995 PMCID: PMC9296450 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-022-00645-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing in primary care, testing rates in China remain low. Social media is an inexpensive means of disseminating information and could facilitate hepatitis testing promotion. We evaluated the capacity of digitally crowdsourced materials to promote HBV/HCV testing uptake via a randomized controlled trial (identifier: ChiCTR1900025771), which enrolled 750 Chinese primary care patients. We randomized patients (1:1) to receive crowdsourced HBV/HCV promotion materials through social media or facility-based care without promotional materials for four weeks. Exposure to all intervention materials was associated with increased odds of HBV (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.09–3.00) and HCV (aOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.29–2.99) testing compared to facility-based care. There was a significant reduction in hepatitis stigma among intervention group participants (HBV slope: −0.15, p < 0.05; and HCV slope: −0.13, p < 0.05). Digitally crowdsourced promotion messages could enhance hepatitis testing uptake and should be considered in hepatitis reduction strategies. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900025771) on September 9, 2019. Available from: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=42788
Collapse
|