Understanding the Association Between Home Broadband Connection and Well-Being Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China: Nationally Representative Panel Data Study.

Background: Access to digital technology is among the major social determinants of health, and digital divide impacts health inequality. Yet, the impact of digital connectivity on the well-being and psychosocial outcomes in adults has not been fully studied.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of home broadband connection with health and well-being of middle-aged adults and adults older than 45 years in China.

Methods: A panel data study design of the national sample of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was conducted in 2015, 2018, and 2020. This study included 16,185 participants older than 45 years. The associations between digital connectivity (home broadband connection), loneliness, social participation, and life satisfaction were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression models, adjusting for socioeconomic factors, behavioral factors, and locality. Broadband internet connectivity, feelings of loneliness, social participation, and satisfaction with life were measured using the self-reported CHARLS questionnaire.

Results: We observed a substantial increase in digital connectivity from 29.5% in 2015 to 59.8% in 2020. Broadband internet connection at home was positively correlated with social participation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.34, 95% CI 1.28-1.41) and life satisfaction (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.40), after adjusting for confounding factors, while the absence of broadband internet connection was associated with increased loneliness (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77-0.86). These associations were consistent across age, gender, socioeconomic groups, and geographic areas.

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.