Internet Use and Health Disparities in Brazilian Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Xiayu, Rodriguez Tania, Wu Rachel, Andrade Flávia
Primary Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; University of California Riverside
Hypothesis
Does Internet use moderate the rural–urban disparities in health among Brazilian older adults?
Conclusion
Internet use can help reduce health disparities between rural and urban older adults in Brazil, but it may also increase disparities in depressive symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Internet use mitigated the rural-urban disparity in chronic conditions.
- Internet use improved cognitive functioning among older adults.
- Internet use increased the disparity in depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
Using the Internet can help older people in Brazil stay healthier, especially those living in rural areas, but it might make some feel sadder.
Methodology
Data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging was analyzed using weight-adjusted multivariate linear regression.
Limitations
The study focuses only on Brazil and may not be generalizable to other countries.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 50 and above from both rural and urban areas in Brazil.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI= 0.55-0.94 for chronic conditions; 95% CI=0.73-0.99 for cognitive functioning; 95% CI=1.04-1.89 for depressive symptoms.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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