scholarly journals The Association of Internet Use with Wellbeing, Mental Health and Health Behaviours of Persons with Disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (18) ◽  
pp. 3252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariusz Duplaga ◽  
Katarzyna Szulc
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Psychological Help ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Degree Of Disability ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Introduction: There is strong evidence that people with disabilities suffer from a significant digital divide. However, there are reports indicating that Internet use may result in many benefits for those with disabilities. The aim of the study was to assess the impact that the use of the Internet has on the wellbeing and health behaviours of persons with disabilities. Methods: An analysis was carried out using the dataset obtained from Social Diagnosis, a panel study undertaken on a nationally representative sample. The records of persons with disabilities were retrieved from the dataset which was established in 2015. An analysis of the association between Internet use and the wellbeing, mental health and health behaviours of the respondents was undertaken. The variables reflecting the self-assessment of their own life and experience of loneliness were treated as being indicators of their wellbeing and the prevalence of suicidal thoughts or making use of psychological help as indicators of mental health. The health behaviours analysed in the study included smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol and undertaking physical activity. For all these variables, multivariate logistic regression models were developed. The effect of Internet use was adjusted for sociodemographic variables and the degree of disability. An analysis was performed after applying post-stratification weights available from the Social Diagnosis study. Results: The weighted study group consisted of 2529 people having a mean age of 59.33 ± 16.89 years. The group included 20.71% (N = 524) respondents with a mild, 41.58% (N = 1052) with a moderate, and 26.54% (N = 671) with a severe disability. The proportion of Internet users was 37.07% (N = 937). In all the regression models, Internet use had a significant impact on the dependent variables. After adjustment for sociodemographic variables and the degree of disability, the Internet users more frequently assessed their lives as happy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.86, 1.47–2.37) and less frequently experienced loneliness (0.63, 0.49–0.81) or suicidal thoughts (0.47, 0.35–0.65). In addition, they needed psychological help less frequently (0.50, 0.35–0.72). Interestingly, Internet users undertook some form of physical activity or sport more often (2.41, 1.87–3.13) and fewer smoked cigarettes (0.70, 0.54–0.91) or consumed alcohol excessively (0.32, 0.19–0.56). Conclusions: The use of the Internet by people with disabilities was associated with improved wellbeing, better mental health and more beneficial health behaviours. These findings support the development of intensive actions to reduce the digital divide for the population of people with disabilities.

scholarly journals The impact of Internet use on mental wellbeing and health behaviours among persons with disability

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Szulc ◽  
M Duplaga
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Digital Divide ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Disability is frequently related to the digital divide. However, the Internet may be also an opportunity for many people with disabilities, especially for those who suffer from difficulties in involving in social activities. For some of them, it is also a tool for undertaking professional tasks. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of the Internet on selected aspects of psychological wellbeing and undertaking health behaviours in persons with disabilities. Methods From the data set of the biannual Social Diagnosis survey, data of respondents confirming the status of disability were extracted. They were used for the development of multivariate logistic regression models for self-assessment of life, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, feeling lonely, the use of psychological support and health behaviours. The impact of Internet usage was adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Weights provided by the study team were used in the analysis. Results The responses from 3231 respondents were used in the analysis. There were 33.1% of Internet users in the study group. Respondents with a mild disability made 25.3%, with moderate 39.4%, with severe 24.2%, and without an established degree of disability 11.1%. Logistic regression modelling revealed that Internet users more frequently assessed their lives as happy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval (OR, 95%CI): 1.40, 1.13-1.75) and undertook some form of physical activity (2.32, 1.84-2.91). They also less frequently excessively consumed alcohol (0.51, 0.33-0.80). No relation was found for experiencing loneliness (0.89, 0.71-1.12), suicidal thoughts (0.998, 0.77-1.29), receiving psychological care (0.84, 0.62-1.14) and smoking (0.83, 0.66-1.04). Conclusions Although persons with disabilities suffer from digital divide, Internet use may exert a beneficial impact on their wellbeing and favour more beneficial health behaviours. Key messages Internet access and use among persons with disabilities may be an opportunity for improved wellbeing. Persons with disabilities who are Internet users assess their lives as more happy and demonstrate more favourable health behaviours.

The Effect of Suicide-Related Internet Use on Users’ Mental Health

Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 348-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Sueki
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Suicide Methods ◽  
Internet Users

Background: Previous studies have shown that suicide-related Internet use can have both negative and positive psychological effects. Aims: This study examined the effect of suicide-related Internet use on users’ suicidal ideation, depression/anxiety tendency, and loneliness. Method: A two-wave panel study of 850 Internet users was conducted via the Internet. Results: Suicide-related Internet use (e.g., browsing websites about suicide methods) had negative effects on suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety tendency. No forms of suicide-related Internet use, even those that would generally be considered positive, were found to decrease users’ suicidal ideation. In addition, our results suggest that the greater the suicidal ideation and feelings of depression and loneliness of Internet users, the more they used the Internet. Conclusion: Since suicide-related Internet use can adversely influence the mental health of young adults, it is necessary to take measures to reduce their exposure to such information.

Individuals with Disabilities and Internet Use

2012 ◽  
pp. 242-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Gozza-Cohen ◽  
Deborah May
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Individuals With Disabilities ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Large Research

This entry examines the use of the internet by individuals with disabilities. Before people with disabilities can use the Internet for socializing, communicating, gathering information, learning, or working, they must first be able to access the Internet. This may require additional assistance by either people or modified hardware and software. Some authors have expressed concern that there is a digital divide, with many people with disabilities not accessing the Internet. The differing needs of people with disabilities, and how their needs may be met with technology and adaptations are explored. Examples of various uses of the Internet by people with disabilities are presented. This field does not have a large research base; it is difficult to do controlled large group studies with such diverse populations, so much of the information comes from position papers, demographic reports, case studies, or exploratory research.

Impact of Internet Use on Civic Engagement in Chinese Rural Areas

2012 ◽  
pp. 296-313
Author(s):  
Jian-Chuan Zhang ◽  
Ying Qin
Keyword(s):  
Civic Engagement ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Public Affairs ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Network Information ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Political Impact ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Few prior studies have addressed the political impact of the Internet on civic engagement in rural areas. This preliminary study aims to explore the connection between Internet use and civic engagement of rural Internet users. Based on the surveys implemented by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), the authors find that using the Internet does enhance the level of civic engagement among rural Internet users in China. However, better use of the Internet faces some obstacles, too. They are the young age of rural users and the limited Net bandwidth. Implications of these obstacles are discussed. The chapter concludes that, under certain circumstances, there is great potential for Chinese rural Internet users to become more actively engaged in public affairs in the future.

The association between Internet use and health outcomes in the population of older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Szulc ◽  
M Duplaga
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The Internet has become one of the primary sources of health-related information. Less is known about the impact of Internet access and use on health-related outcomes in the older population, which frequently suffer from a digital divide. The main objective of this study was the assessment of the associations between Internet use and variables reflecting health status, the use of health services and health behaviours in the population at least 50 years old. Methods The analysis was carried out on the data set from the telephone-based survey in a sample of 1000 respondents representative for targeted age strata of Polish society. The effects of Internet use were assessed with logistic regression models after adjusting for key socioeconomic variables. Results Mean age (standard deviation) of respondents was 64.2 (9.6). In the study group, 51.1% respondents were Internet users, 19.4% - persons with disabilities, 21.2% were hospitalised at least once, and 51.0% visited health care facilities at least six times in preceding 12 months. The respondents being Internet users less frequently reported chronic diseases (OR, 95%CI: 0.21, 0.16-0.30), disability status (0.52, 0.37-0.72) and higher self-assessed health status (1.64, 1.24-2.16). They also less often used health services in the preceding 12 months (0.77, 0.60-0.99. Internet use was not associated with hospital admission in the preceding year (1.04, 0.76-1.41) and most of the health behaviours (smoking: 1.06, 0.77-1.45, physical activity: 0.85, 0.63-1.15, the consumption of fruits and vegetables: 0.73, 0.50-1.07). Interestingly, Internet users drunk more alcohol (1.52, 1.14-2.02). Conclusions In the population of older adults, the use of the Internet is associated with variables reflecting health status and the utilisation of health services. Higher health status and lower prevalence of chronic conditions among Internet users were found after adjusting for age and other socioeconomic factors. Key messages It was shown that Internet use may be related with more favourable health outcomes. The reported association should trigger further research on the impact of Internet in elderly persons.

Internet use by Patients with Psychiatric Disorders Searching for Medical Information

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
V. Balanzá ◽  
A. Tatay ◽  
S. Cepeda ◽  
T. Merino ◽  
M. Lloret ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Web Search ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Spanish Hospital ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Aims:Despite the increasing use of the Internet to seek medical information, little is known about the web search for mental health information among psychiatric patients. We aimed to identify the patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics that better predict the search for medical information, as well as the most consulted aspects of psychiatric disorders.Method:Over a one-month period, a consecutive series of patients followed at one Spanish hospital psychiatric outpatient clinic completed a 13-item questionnaire about their personal Internet use.Results:Among the 144 participating patients (72% women), 61% reported having ever used the Internet, with lower search rates for general health (34%) and mental health (22%) data. There were no differences by sex, but Internet use was more frequent among younger and higher-educated patients, as well as among those with eating disorders and personality disorders. Patients were most interested in diagnosis and treatment facets. A model with age (exp.β=1.05; p=.001) and high-school education (exp.β=5.55; p=.004) predicted searching for general medical information and correctly classified 75% of the sample (R2=0.3; p=0.004). Age was the only variable predicting specific search about mental health (exp.β=1.05; p=.001), and correctly classified 76% of patients (R2=0.2; p=0.001).Conclusions:The results of this one-site pilot study went in the anticipated direction and suggest that possible differences in the access to Internet according to the diagnostic group merit further research with multi-centre, larger samples.

Relation of Growth of Use of the Internet to Changes in Media Use from 1995 to 1999

2000 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guido H. Stempel ◽  
Thomas Hargrove ◽  
Joseph P. Bernt
Keyword(s):  
National Survey ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Television News ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Network Television ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Radio News

This national survey of media useshows a huge gain for Internet use in the last four years and decline for both local and network television news and for newspapers. Comparison of those who use the Internet and those who do not shows that Internet users are more likely than non-users to be newspaper readers and radio news listeners. For both local and network television news viewing, there is no significant difference between users and non-users of the Internet. Clearly, the Internet is not the cause of the decline in use of the other media.

Cyberkids or divided generations? Characterising young people’s internet use in the UK with generic, continuum or typological models

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1104-1122 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Empirical Basis ◽  
Latent Class Analyses ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
The Uk

Young people are often characterised as cyberkids in reference to an assumed intense engagement and natural affinity with the internet. This article critiques the empirical basis for such claims and explores two alternative perspectives: namely, continua of use and typologies of use. Using UK data on 12–15 year old home internet users, a series of descriptive and latent class analyses of young people’s internet use is presented. Results show there is little support for cyberkid characterisations and a proposed continuum of use is also shown to not fit the data. A three-way typology of use is instead presented which suggests a third of young home internet users make only limited use of the internet and the remaining two-thirds diverge into informational and creational/communicative users. These findings are used to argue that Mannheim’s notion of generational units may be a useful way to characterise young people’s internet use.

scholarly journals Educational Data Mining (EDM)on the use of the Internet in the World of Indonesian Education

TEM Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1134-1140
Author(s):  
Robbi Rahim
Keyword(s):  
Data Mining ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Educational Data Mining ◽  
Internet Usage ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The World ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
High Cluster

The purpose of this research is to analyze internet users in the world who are educated in Indonesia by utilizing computer science techniques. The use of the internet in question is the percentage in accessing the internet for ages 5-12 years old, 13-15 years old and 16-18 years old. The data source used is from https://www.bps.go.id/. The method used is kmedoids, while mapping in the form of clusters in this study uses 2 labels namely C1: high cluster for internet use and C2: low cluster for internet use. The results mention that the islands of Sumatra and Java dominate in the use of the internet in all ages. The results state that k-medoids can be applied to the case of mapping internet usage with an accuracy of mentioning above 90% and an error rate below 5%.

scholarly journals Impact of an educational intervention on internet usage, among students of an urban higher secondary school in Kochi, Kerala

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 2754
Author(s):  
Reshma Javed ◽  
Sreelakshmi Mohandas ◽  
Alexander John ◽  
Nimitha Paul ◽  
Retheesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Internet Use ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Internet Usage ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
The Impact

Background: Two-thirds of the 1.11 billion internet users globally are from developing countries. In India, there were 243 million internet users, in 2014. The objectives were to determine the impact of an educational intervention, on internet usage, to estimate the prevalence and to assess the pattern of usage and to assess factors associated with internet usage among students of a higher secondary school.Methods: A school-based interventional study was carried out in Model Technical Higher secondary school, randomly selected from a list of schools in the field practice area of the department. The minimum calculated sample size was 50. All students from 11th and 12th standards were included in the study. The intervention was an interactive health education session focussing on the efficient and safe use of the internet. Post-test data were collected one month after the intervention.Results: The prevalence of internet use was 97%, with the majority starting to use the internet between the ages of 11 and 14 years. Our intervention did not bring a significant change to the number of internet users; however, there was a significant decrease in the number of students using the internet from cafés, the safety concerns of which were addressed during the educational talk.Conclusions: The educational intervention had a positive impact on internet use among students. Therefore, identifying patterns of internet use among students and educating the youth regarding the proper use of the internet is essential.

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